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Two maps of routes around the Flores and Banda seas—through the straits between the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Maluku Islands—towards China. Includes a rhumbline network—a web of lines to help plot routes—bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs.

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).

Map of the Gaspar Strait, off the east coast of Sumatra. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), and there are side views of islands (elevations), all to aid navigation. Five 18th century routes are marked.

A map to aid navigation around the Touranne Bay (Bay of Turon, location of modern city of Da Nang, Vietnam). The web of lines is a rhumbline network, and bathymetry (sea depth), anchor points and two elevation views of the coasts are shown.

There is a port at the south of this map of the Côn Đảo archipelago (Vietnam), and notes giving details such as a suitable location to careen ships (turning a ship on its side for cleaning or repair). A ruined English fort is also marked.

Map of the Batavia (Jakarta) and Bantam (Bantem) roadsteads (a body of water sheltered from tides/currents, for ships to anchor). Shoals, reefs and bathymetry (sea depth) are marked, with explanatory notes and a rhumbline network to aid navigation.

Navigation chart of the Sunda Strait, showing bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, landmarks, and a rhumbline network. Notes record good anchorages, sources of water and supplies etc. Inset map of the Zutphen Islands off the coast of Sumatra.

The ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia are shown on this 18th century map, including Ava and Pegu (Myanmar), Siam (Thailand), Tonquin (Vietnam), Laos and—between Cochin China (Vietnam) and Camboja (Cambodia)—‘A Savage Nation called KEMOYS’.

This mid-18th century map of Southeast Asia includes written notes on goods produced and traded, geographical features, and wild animals found in each part of the region. The cartouche features a drawing of Asia with people, fields and palm trees.

Notes on this map describe European colonial territories and trade with Asia, though this is concentrated around India, and mostly has not yet reached further east to ‘India extra Gangem [India beyond the Ganges]’ as Southeast Asia is labelled.

Map of the Indian Ocean dominated by a rhumbline network—a web of interconnected lines used to help plot routes—with a compass rose at the centre. At the top there are (incomplete) drawings of people with text in Dutch, French, English and Spanish.

A map of the bay of the port city of Batavia (Jakarta). To aid navigation, a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), bathymetry (sea depth), and small islands, shoals and reefs are marked. An inset map shows the city in more detail.