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On this hand-drawn and coloured map of Asia, the colours differentiate the colonial territories of the European powers: for example, New Guinea is divided into Dutch, British and German areas, and Borneo is split between the British and Dutch.

This title of this map refers to orography (which is shown in the use of hachures, short lines/dashes that give a sense of the shape and steepness of terrain) and hydrography (which is shown in the highlighting of coastal regions, shoals and reefs).

On this mid-19th century map of Asia, national and regional borders are colour-coded, including colonial possessions such at the British Straits Settlements. Coastal cities, islands, shoals and reefs are marked in detail.

This map of Asia, from an atlas by the German cartographer Karl von Spruner, is colour-coded to show territorial regions in Asia towards the middle of the fifth century. Borneo is labelled ‘Kalemantan’, and Sulawesi is labelled ‘Mangkassar’.

Labels on this mid-18th century map of Southeast Asia describe various local peoples as ‘sauvage [savage]’, including the ‘Ke-Moy’ of the mountains along the border of Cochinchine (Vietnam) and Camboja (Cambodia), and the ‘Biayos’ of central Borneo.

This mid-18th century map features labels noting the local populations, including the Kemois of the mountains and deserts of Cochinchinae (Vietnam) and the Byayos of Borneo. The map’s cartouche is embellished with maritime and military paraphernalia.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid navigation. An illustration features Asian men—probably merchants, one of whom sits on a throne—and a kneeling elephant.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid in navigation. There is also an illustration featuring two Asian men depicted as native warriors, with a robed woman, as well as a large lizard.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a note stating that there are new features on this map not seen on previous maps, and that this is not a mistake. The cartouche features a column of Asian people riding on horses and camels.

The cartouche on this late 17th century map of Asia features a colourful illustration of Asian traders negotiating a deal. In the background, their workers carry packages and tend to a camel.