As representation of spatial cognition, early maps can be explored for the spatial cognition of ancestors. The 1878 Territorial Map of Taiwan, was completed in the years when the Ching Empire switched its ruling policy. In order to explore the spatial cognition in this map, we develop an approach of quantitative geometry analysis based on a geographic information system (GIS). Findings of these analyses include: 1. when the Han began to reclaim Eastern Taiwan, the distance to Eastern Taiwan was much exaggerated in their mind; 2. Counties of Taiwan, Kelang, Hengchun, and Phe-aw were significantly magnified, as these political and strategic positions were particularly noticed. We consider historical spatial cognition can be effectively interpreted, and the interpretation can enhance research in historical geography.

地圖是空間認知的再現，因此古地圖可反映古人的空間認知。完成於1878 年的《全臺前後山輿圖》，時值清帝國的治臺方針發生重大轉變。為了探討此地 圖所反映的空間認知，本研究利用地理資訊系統發展量化的幾何分析方法。分析 結果顯示：1. 開山撫番時的後山，在漢人心中仍比實際更為遙遠；2. 臺灣、基 隆、恆春、澎湖等縣廳，以其政治、戰略的重要地位而受到特別關注，產生顯著 的放大。藉由此一個案分析，本文認為歷史的空間認知可有效被解讀，提供歷史 地理研究更多內涵。