What it means
をもとに indicates that something is created, developed, or decided by using a source, reference, set of data, or earlier example as its basis. It commonly describes a work, plan, model, or decision derived from information rather than copied exactly. The source noun comes before をもとに, which is usually followed by the main action or result.
Usage note
をもとに does not necessarily mean that the source is a physical material. For literal composition or ingredients, expressions such as からできている may be more appropriate. をもとにして is a closely related, slightly more explicit variant.
How to use it
昔の地図をもとに、町の模型を作りました。
Using an old map as its basis, a model of the town was made.
昔の地図をもとに、町の模型を作った。
Using an old map as its basis, a model of the town was made.
Example sentences
昨年度の利用者アンケートをもとに、図書館は開館時間を見直した。
Based on last year's user survey, the library revised its opening hours.
過去の地震記録をもとに、市は新しい防災マップを作成した。
Based on records of past earthquakes, the city created a new disaster-prevention map.
古い写真をもとに、画家は町