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This navigation map of the mouth of the Kaladan River on the west coast of Arracan (modern Myanmar) features drawings of coastal features (elevations), bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, landmarks, and notes on how to enter the river safely.

A late 18th century map of Asia published in London by John Bowles, with regions indicated by colour. Central Borneo is labelled ‘Part inhabited by the Biayos’, which is seen on many contemporary maps, often with the comment ‘a savage people’.

Map of mainland Southeast Asia divided into kingdoms. Larger settlements are marked pictorially with a red building symbol. The desert of Cochinchine (Vietnam) is labelled as being inhabited by the ‘Kemoys Peuples Barbares [Kemoys Barbarian People]’.

Map of mainland Southeast Asia divided into kingdoms. Larger settlements are marked pictorially with a red building symbol. The desert of Cochinchine (Vietnam) is labelled as being inhabited by the ‘Kemoys Peuples Barbares [Kemoys Barbarian People]’.

On this map of Asia, Borneo is labelled ‘The Inland Part of this Island is inhabited by the Biayos a savage People’, a description seen on many contemporary maps. The ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia are also shown.

On this map of Asia, Borneo is labelled ‘The Inland Part of this Island is inhabited by the Biayos a savage People’, a description seen on many contemporary maps. The ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia are also shown.

Two coastal navigation maps: one of the Mergui Archipelago off the west coast of Myanmar; and one of Phuket (‘Isle Junkseilon’) and the surrounding islands off the west coast of Thailand. Both feature bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs.

Two coastal navigation maps: one of the Mergui Archipelago off the west coast of Myanmar; and one of Phuket (‘Isle Junkseilon’) and the surrounding islands off the west coast of Thailand. Both feature bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: New Guinea is described as unknown to Europeans; Borneo was abandoned by Europeans due to the ‘unmanageability’ of the inhabitants; the Philippines were discovered by Spain in 1565.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: New Guinea is described as unknown to Europeans; Borneo was abandoned by Europeans due to the ‘unmanageability’ of the inhabitants; the Philippines were discovered by Spain in 1565.

Map of Asia featuring an early—and very vague—depiction of New Britain (‘Nieuw Brittanje’) which was named by the British explorer William Dampier when he visited in 1700. The ‘Straat van Dampier’ is also shown, dividing New Britain from New Guinea.

Map of Asia featuring an early—and very vague—depiction of New Britain (‘Nieuw Brittanje’) which was named by the British explorer William Dampier when he visited in 1700. The ‘Straat van Dampier’ is also shown, dividing New Britain from New Guinea.