HOKKAIDO-CHIZU Co., Ltd.

HOKKAIDO-CHIZU Co., Ltd. (北海道地図株式会社), often abbreviated as HCC, is a Japanese company specializing in map production, geographic information systems (GIS), and spatial information services. Founded in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, the company has grown into a nationally recognized map maker, supplying map data, GIS solutions, and consulting services to local governments, national and prefectural agencies, construction and civil engineering firms, and infrastructure operators. Its corporate website organizes offerings by client segment, including dedicated portals for municipalities, government agencies, construction consultants, and infrastructure-related organizations. HCC is particularly known for its GISMAP series, a general-purpose base map database that was developed using computer mapping technology introduced ahead of the industry in 1984 and subsequently rolled out nationwide. Beyond flat maps, the company produces bird's-eye-view maps (chōkanzu) that depict terrain as seen from above, and it continues to develop new technologies including 3D mapping and 3D printing applications. Its products have been recognized at the Japan Cartographers Association's annual map and book exhibition, where many of the selected excellent maps have been created by HCC. In recent years, HCC has also focused on geopark-related activities. Its Geo Art bird's-eye-view posters cover 40 of Japan's 43 geopark regions. The company operates an e-commerce site called 'Chikyū Jikan no Tabi' (Earth Time Journey) where it sells its own products such as the Geo Art series and tourism maps. HCC maintains its headquarters and general technology center in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, with branch offices in Tokyo, Sapporo, and Sendai, and additional offices across Japan.

HOKKAIDO-CHIZU Co., Ltd. was founded in September 1953 by Katsumi Tsuda in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, at 10-jō-dōri 14-chōme. The company was formally incorporated in August 1957. In July 1966, it began drafting work using the scribe technique, and in October of the same year opened its Sapporo branch. In October 1967, the head office building was newly constructed and relocated to Asahikawa's Higashi 4-jō 8-chōme, completing an integrated map production factory. In December 1968, the company registered as a surveying business under the Survey Act. It opened a Sendai branch in November 1969 and a Tokyo branch in October 1970, followed by a Tokyo work office in October 1972. In November 1979, the Asahikawa work office was newly built and relocated to Kamui-chō Taiba (the current location). In January 1984, the company developed a computer mapping image processing system, pioneering computer mapping in the industry. This led to the construction of the general-purpose base map database 'GISMAP' series, which was deployed nationwide. In November 1988, the head office building was newly constructed and relocated to Kamui-chō Taiba, and a computer mapping system was installed. In 1989, the company participated in creating electronic maps for car navigation systems. In May 1995, it completed a nationwide elevation database and began providing 3D data. In January 1997, an information center building was constructed on the head office grounds, and the company fully engaged in building large-scale map databases, completing a nationwide medium-scale map database. In March 1998, the GIS map database 'GISMAP series' was released. In October 2004, the company obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification for its Technology Division and Spatial Information Solutions Division, and introduced A-size CTP (computer-to-plate) system. In August 2007, 'Vista Map Asahikawa' won the top prize at the International Map Exhibition. From 2012 to 2015, the company received the Electronic National Land Award for four consecutive years, including in the content category for detailed 3D models of disaster areas made with 3D printers, the Electronic National Land Achievement Award for the Kitakami River downstream relief map, and the PC category for the mountain map and planning manager 'Yamataimu'. In January 2013, the Geopark Promotion Office was established. In October 2018, HOKKAIDO-CHIZU Co., Ltd. (represented by Kiichi Kobayashi) received a special merit award from the NPO Japan Geopark Network.

• 2018

  Received special merit award from Japan Geopark Network.

• 2013

  Established Geopark Promotion Office.

• 2012

  Began four consecutive years of receiving Electronic National Land Awards.

• 2007

  'Vista Map Asahikawa' won top prize at International Map Exhibition.

• 2004

  Obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification; introduced A-size CTP system.

• 1998

  Released GIS map database 'GISMAP series'.

• 1997

  Information center building constructed; full-scale large-scale map database construction; nationwide medium-scale map database completed.

• 1995

  Completed nationwide elevation database; began providing 3D data.

• 1989

  Participated in creating electronic maps for car navigation systems.

• 1988

  Head office relocated to Kamui-chō Taiba; computer mapping system installed.

• 1984

  Developed computer mapping image processing system; pioneered computer mapping in the industry.

• 1979

  Asahikawa work office relocated to Kamui-chō Taiba (current location).

• 1972

  Opened Tokyo work office.

• 1970

  Opened Tokyo branch.

• 1969

  Opened Sendai branch.

• 1968

  Registered as a surveying business under the Survey Act.

• 1967

  Head office relocated to Higashi 4-jō 8-chōme, Asahikawa; integrated map production factory completed.

• 1966

  Started scribe technique drafting; opened Sapporo branch.

• 1957

  Company formally incorporated.

• 1953

  Founded by Katsumi Tsuda in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

A specialized map and geospatial information company with a long history of innovation in computer mapping and bird's-eye-view map production, serving government and infrastructure clients.

• GISMAP series

  General-purpose base map database, released in 1998, built using computer mapping technology.

• Geo Art series

  Bird's-eye-view posters covering 40 of Japan's 43 geopark regions.

• Yamataimu

  Mountain map and planning manager application, awarded in the PC category of the Electronic National Land Awards.

• Vista Map Asahikawa

  Map product that won the top prize at the International Map Exhibition in 2007.

1. 1北海道地図株式会社 | 地図・GIS・空間情報サービスhcc.co.jp
2. 2北海道地図 (企業) - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org
3. 3HCC - Wikidatawikidata.org