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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’).

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.

Maritime routes had to be adjusted in response to the changing monsoon seasons, as is seen on this late 18th century map of the Indian Ocean. Drawings of the heads of children blowing—called ‘wind-heads’—are used to indicate wind direction.

Map dedicated to William Cowper, whose coat of arms sits atop the cartouche. It features two horses holding a crest with three martlets (mythical birds used in heraldry). The cartouche also features Asian traders. Monsoons are marked on the map.

This map showcases the colonial territories of Southeast Asia in the 18th century, with text detailing trading information and the products of each region. There are five inset maps featuring plans of specific trading ports.

This map showcases the colonial territories of Southeast Asia in the 18th century, with text detailing trading information and the products of each region. There are five inset maps featuring plans of specific trading ports.

The arrows on this map show the direction of the seasonal monsoons: each arrow has a label, indicating the month. The northeast coast of Borneo is labelled ‘A Desart [desert/deserted?] Coast’, while the south is labelled ‘Pepper Country’.

This early 19th century map is from a book titled ‘Mr. John Nieuhoff's Voyages’ in which the author reports on his travels to Southeast Asia, including a detailed description of the important port city of Batavia, as shown on the map.