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Colonial territory is labelled and colour-coded on this map of Southeast Asia. A list on the left edge gives the colonial status, size and population of Asian countries, and ranks the main cities by population. Gold and iron mines are marked.

Map highlighting areas of eastern Siam (Thailand) claimed by France. Notes describe Siam’s geography, government, population, military and trade (rice, teak, pepper, bullocks, fish, hides, tin, cardamom, tin), including trading partners by tonnage.

This late 19th century map of Southeast Asia shows the best maritime routes around the region, according to the time of year. There are also inset maps highlighting the rivers and southern islands of Singapore, and the sea depth around Labuan Island.

This map of mainland Southeast Asia features short texts noting mines, trade routes and travel times (‘5 to 7 days on Elephants’), history (‘conquered by the King of Siam 1809’), peoples (‘states tributary to the Chinese’) and products (‘Tea Tree’).

Map of a proposed extension of a telegraph system from Rangoon (Yangon, Myanmar) to China. Includes current and projected railways, steam ship routes, and population figures for western China. From the British magazine ‘The Illustrated London News’.

This late 19th century map of Southeast Asia shows the best maritime routes around the region, according to the time of year. There are also inset maps highlighting the rivers and southern islands of Singapore, and the sea depth around Labuan Island.

This late 19th century map of Southeast Asia shows the best maritime routes around the region, according to the time of year. There is also an inset map highlighting the rivers and southern islands of Singapore.

Brief notes printed on this 19th century map of Southeast Asia provide details about each region, including: numbers and ethnicity of the population, local or colonial rulers, crops and products, geography (corals, forests, volcanos, earthquakes).

This late 19th century map of Southeast Asia shows the best maritime routes around the region, according to the time of year. There is also an inset map highlighting the rivers and southern islands of Singapore.

A late 18th century map of Asia, with notes on the principal states, empires and kingdoms of Asia written in French on the right-hand side.

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.