World War II defense maps: Storytelling through design
A fascinating collection of “National Air Defense Maps” from World War II, originally created by the Great Japan Air Defense Association, has been discovered. Made initially as warning aids and military propaganda, these infographics also functioned as public instruction pieces and pioneering informational graphics during wartime.
These maps are unique because they diverge from typical government-issued public notifications thanks to their engaging designs and illustrative characteristics. Instead of just providing geographical information, they tell vivid narratives of the era, drawing on multiple details representative of the socio-cultural milieu of the time, making them not only cartographic tools but also historical artifacts.
Thanks to the recommendation of Eric Baker, an avid cartography enthusiast, these artefacts are now publicly accessible. The David Rumsey Map Collection, David Rumsey Map Centre, and Stanford Libraries ensure these artefacts can be freely accessed from anywhere worldwide.
Narrating history through WWII defense maps
This effort increases the reach and impact of these artefacts, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Martin Nell described these maps as an ‘extraordinary object,’ representing a unique blend of propaganda and public education through graphic design during WWII. He lamented the underappreciated influence of Japan in the ‘alternative’ history of graphic design, particularly during WWII.
The collection curated by the Great Japan Air Defense Association includes a variety of aspects related to U.S. Air Force air strikes, such as air and civil defense plans, preventive measures against fire, instructions for dimming buildings during attacks, and basic first aid protocols. The collection also has historical documents featuring photographs and firsthand accounts from survivors of past air raids.
Renowned author and designer Steven Heller, known for co-authoring over 200 books related to design and popular culture and his long-standing relationship with PRINT, revised the collection. His contributions have elevated its influence in the design field, earning him numerous industry honours, including the Smithsonian Institution National Design Award for “Design Mind” and the AIGA Medal for Lifetime Achievement.
