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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.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: e.g. at this time, Benkulen (Bencoolen) on the west coast of Sumatra is British, and Malacca is Dutch.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: e.g. at this time, Benkulen (Bencoolen) on the west coast of Sumatra is British, and Malacca is Dutch.

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).

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 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.

An early 19th century map by the English cartographer John Cary, highlighting the mountain ranges and rivers of Southeast Asia. The map also features many place names of cities, towns and islands.

Map focusing on the passage between Penang Island and the mainland, with shoals and reefs marked and described, and bathymetry (sea depth) shown. There are anchor points at George Town harbour, and landmarks—hills, trees, a fort—to aid navigation.

Map focusing on the passage between Penang Island and the mainland, with shoals and reefs marked and described, and bathymetry (sea depth) shown. There are anchor points at George Town harbour, and landmarks—hills, trees, a fort—to aid navigation.

Southeast Asia is on the last sheet of this map of Asia. The South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

This early 19th century map of Celebes (Sulawesi) is labelled with the names of local tribes (‘stamm’), including a rich tribe (‘reicher stamm’). The locations of two gold mines are marked, along with major settlements.

An early 19th century map, with the regions of Southeast Asia marked with coloured borders: Malaya is red, indicating it is part of the British Empire; the orange borders around Sumatra, Borneo and Celebes show they are part of the Dutch East Indies.