Method of visualizing landscapes from tombs of the Final Kofun period with a high-definition three-dimensional model by SfM and three-dimensional GIS: A case study of three tombs in the Kawachi area

We visualized landscapes from three tombs of Japan’s Final Kofun period (the latter part of the 6th century through the end of the 7th century) in the Kawachi area (Kannonzuka, Hachibuseyma-nishimine, and Okameishi Tombs) with a high-definition three-dimensional model by structure from motion (SfM) multi-view stereo photogrammetry and three-dimensional GIS to analyze the relationship of the axial directions of the tombs and their views. We clarified the following points: 1) By SfM with photographs from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), we generated georeferenced digital surface models (DSMs) with about 1-cm resolution and orthophotos with about 0.5-cm resolution to express the microtopography of the three tombs. 2) We overlaid DSMs and orthophotos by SfM on a 5-m digital elevation model (DEM) and orthophotos by GSI using three-dimensional GIS and visualized landscapes from the three tombs at that time, although their views are now obstructed by trees. 3) Considering the surrounding obstacles, shooting photos with a manual pilot is more suitable than with an auto pilot for reproducing the shapes of the stones and the tomb mounds

Enclosed Spaces of Ancient Japanese Cites and Watersheds : Analysis of Mountain Ranges and Water Systems of Kyoto, Nara, Dazaifu, and Kamakura Using a Three-dimensional Terrain Model

In this paper, we used a three-dimensional terrain model to study the relationships between the enclosed spaces of Kyoto, Nara, Dazaifu, and Kamakura and their watersheds. Most previous studies used two-dimensional maps and concluded that these four cities have similar enclosed spaces surrounded by mountains. However, in this study, we analyzed enclosed spaces through watersheds in a wide area using a three-dimensional terrain model and clarified the following points: 1) The Kyoto’s basin area is about nine times as large as that of the Nara Basin. 2) Dazaifu’s enclosed space is open to the southeast and the northwest, and its basin area is much smaller than Kyoto and cannot store water like the other three cities. 3) Kamakura’s enclosed space is surrounded by mountains in three directions and can store water, but its basin area is the smallest among the four cities. 4) Kyoto has the largest basin area among the four cities

Enclosed Spaces for Seoul and Kaesong based on Feng-Shui

This paper studies the relationships between the landscapes of Seoul and Kaesong and their interpretations based on Feng-Shui, which is a system of thought that originated in China, that is used for selecting the locations for cities, houses, and graves. Most previous Feng-Shui studies mainly addressed Feng-Shui interpretations using two-dimensional maps. However, in this study we consider the visual relationships between actual landscapes and interpretations based on Feng-Shui using a three-dimensional terrain model. Both Seoul and Kaesong have enclosed spaces and were influenced by Feng-Shui in the Korean Peninsula. Both Seoul and Kaesong have visually enclosed spaces, suggesting an outlook of nature that respects the connections of the mountain ranges

Astronomy and Feng Shui in the project of the Tang, Ming and Qing royal mausoleums: a satellite imagery approach

The royal Chinese mausoleums of the Tang, Ming and Qing Chinese dynasties are astounding ensables of monuments, conceived and built to assure to the Emperors immortality in the afterlife and perennial fame on earth. To this aim, a series of cognitive elements were embodied in the funerary landscapes selected for such monuments, including astronomy, general topography, and traditional Chinese geomancy. Taking advantage of satellite imagery, we investigate here on this issue in a general manner. In particular, we develop and apply a rigorous approach to investigate if magnetic compass was used in the planning of such monuments

Collective decision making under drought: An empirical study of water resource management in Japan

The management of common-pool resources requires collective action and cooperation, especially when resource users face extreme weather events. This study examines collective decision making in water resource management during droughts. By focusing on the drought response by groups of water users in river basin communities in Japan, we investigate the determinants of collective decisions on water withdrawal restrictions. Our results show that water user groups are more willing to cooperate for water conservation when other water user groups in a community also cooperate. This suggests that the level of cooperation in drought management depends on other water user groups' cooperation. The findings contribute to a better understanding of collective action in water management, which is also informative to improve adaptive capacity to climate change