Organization

Shimosato Hydrographic Observatory is one of the organizations of the 5th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters. We had been conducting geomagnetic and astronomical observations to provide information for navigators. We have obtained the correct position of the Japanese Islands by SLR(Satellite Laser Ranging) from 1982, which is necessary for compiling nautical charts.

☆Shimosato Hydrographic Observatory☆	☆Location of Shimosato☆

History

1944	The Kii-Katsuura Observatory was established for fixed-point geomagnetic observation.
August 6,1948	Became an office under the direct control of the Japan Coast Guard and changed its name to Katsuura Hydrographic Observatory.
May,1949	Became an office under the Kobe regional headquarters.
April,1952	Started astronomical observation.
February 25,1954	Newly established Shimosato Hydrographic Observatory and moved the geomagnetic observation to Shimosato.
April 1,1959	The astronomical observation moved to Shimosato, and the operation of the Katsuura Hydrographic Observatory was terminated.
March,1978	Geomagnetic observation was moved to Hachijojima.
December 5,1980	Completion of the new office building.
April 1,1982	Started geodetic observation by SLR.
March,2008	Termination of the stronomical observation.