Journal of the Korean Cartographic AssociationISSN:1598-6160(Print)한국지도학회

This study started with the problem that the number of annexed islands of Dokdo is expressed differently in maps produced by related organizations such as the National Geographic Information Institute, Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, and Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find out the cause of the problem and to make policy recommendations by analyzing the maps of Dokdo produced by related organizations and private cartographic companies from the time when the lot numbers were first assigned to Dokdo to the present. As a result of the study, first, it is judged that it is unreasonable to call the rocky islands or reefs distributed around Dokdo as annexed islands. Relevant agencies need to clearly distinguish between rocky islands and reefs, and discuss whether to continue or selectively use the name of annexed islands. Second, in some cases, even a lump of rock falling from the mountaintop of Dokdo is counted as an annexed island. Therefore, related organizations should clearly identify the distribution of rocks and reefs around Dokdo. Finally, it is necessary to discuss in depth whether or not to retain the lot numbers assigned to the rocky islands and reefs. Since small rocky islands or reefs may disappear at any time due to weathering or erosion, it is necessary to be cautious about assigning lot numbers to these annexed islands.