Interactive Map for Battle of Hong Kong 1941

The Battle of Hong Kong 1941: A Spatial History Project, led by Hong Kong Baptist University, employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to reconstruct the events of 8–25 December 1941. During this period, Hong Kong became one of the first battlegrounds of the Pacific War. Japanese forces launched a rapid assault against British, Canadian, Indian, and local defenders. Despite determined resistance, the colony surrendered on Christmas Day, marking a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s wartime history.

The project’s interactive web map presents layered spatial data, including troop positions, military installations, defensive lines, and civilian facilities. Users can dynamically explore these layers to visualize how the battle unfolded across Hong Kong’s terrain. The map not only integrates geographic context with historical records but also transforms complex data into an accessible visual narrative timeline. This interactive approach enables users to examine the battle through spatial perspectives, enriching historical understanding and offering a clearer appreciation of Hong Kong’s wartime experience.