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The colonial territories of British North Borneo are shown in pink on this late 19th century map, with Brunei and Sarawak in green, and Dutch colonial territory in yellow. Sea routes around the British Empire are depicted on an inset map.

The colonial territories of British North Borneo are shown in pink on this late 19th century map, with Brunei and Sarawak in green, and Dutch colonial territory in yellow. Sea routes around the British Empire are depicted on an inset map.

To aid navigation, this map shows small islands, shoals and reefs, maritime routes for use during monsoons or at particular times of the year, bathymetry (sea depth), tide information, shipwrecks, compass roses and landmark mountains at the coasts.

Map of the Strait of Malacca, with inset maps of a central part of the strait and of the Singapore Strait. Bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs are marked, and there are elevations (side views of hills and mountains to use as landmarks).

Chart of the Singapore Strait, Riau Archipelago and Lingga Islands, marked with bathymetry (sea depth), side views of landmark mountains (elevations), written notes, and islands, shoals and reefs, all to aid navigation.

To aid navigation, this map shows small islands, shoals and reefs, maritime routes for use during monsoons or at particular times of the year, bathymetry (sea depth), past explorers’ routes, shipwrecks and text about monsoons, typhoons and currents.

Chart of the Singapore Strait, Riau Archipelago and Lingga Islands, marked with bathymetry (sea depth), side views of landmark mountains (elevations), written notes, and islands, shoals and reefs, all to aid navigation.

Navigation chart of part of the South China Sea leading to the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait. Features bathymetry (sea depth), anchor points, shoals and other obstructions, landmark hills, and detailed explanatory notes.

Navigation chart of part of the South China Sea leading to the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait. Features bathymetry (sea depth), anchor points, shoals and other obstructions, landmark hills, and detailed explanatory notes.

Nautical charts, like this late 18th century example of the north-west coast of Borneo, were designed to help ships navigate. The numbers marked along the coastline and sea routes indicate the depth of the sea (bathymetry).

A late 18th century maritime map of Southeast Asia, marked with expedition routes including the return of Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour from Australia in 1770, and Captain Philip Carteret’s circumnavigation expedition in 1768.