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Navigation map of the southern South China Sea, with bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs marked. There are four maritime routes to China marked, with notes on what months or monsoon season to use them. Inset map of Gulf of Thailand.

Navigation map of the southern South China Sea, with bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs marked. There are four maritime routes to China marked, with notes on what months or monsoon season to use them. Inset map of Gulf of Thailand.

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.

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.

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 of the Banda Islands from Vicenzo Coronelli's ‘Corso Geografico Universale’, including a volcano on Gunappi (Banda Api), and a military fort on Nera (Banda Neira). Italian text describes the crops, trade, animals and people of the Maluku Islands.