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An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

This early 18th century map shows Southeast Asia alongside India and part of China, with the names of cities, towns, ports, rivers and mountains marked. A handwritten note at the top left comments on the map's accuracy.

Interestingly, this map from the year 1700 shows the world as the Greeks and Romans knew it. Therefore, Southeast Asia is labelled as 'PARTS UNKNOWN TO THE ANCIENTS' and lacks place names e.g. Sumatra is named ‘Taprobana I. according to some’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This detailed map of the Dutch East Indies in the mid-19th century is spread over eight sheets, plus a cover sheet showing the whole area. There are numerous inset maps of islands, bays, cities etc.

Mountain chains are represented by black lines; volcanoes by black dots. Three insets maps: expansion of Reguain—island of Taung-ywa, off the coast of Myanmar—due to volcanic activity; geology of Java (with heights of mountains); volcanoes of Luzon.

On the main map, the volcanic regions of Southeast Asia are labelled, active and extinct volcanos are marked, and the 1815 eruption of Tumbora (Mount Tambora on Sumbawa) is highlighted. Even more details are shown on an inset map of Southeast Asia.