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On this map of Southeast Asia, British colonial territory is highlighted within red borders: the Straits Settlements (Singapore, Malacca and Penang) on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula; and British Burma (Chittagong and Aracan, and Tenasserim).

The shoals and reefs of maritime Southeast Asia are highlighted on this colourful mid-19th century map, with the treacherous waters around many islands and straits marked.

Longitude is indicated in two different ways on this mid-18th century map: along the top border, it is shown in degrees (number of degrees east of London); more unusually, along the bottom border, it is shown in time (number of hours east of London).

A late 18th century map of Asia with regions divided by colour-coded borders, and detailing rivers, mountains, reefs and shoals.

A late 18th century map of Asia with regions divided by colour-coded borders, and detailing rivers, mountains, reefs and shoals.

A late 18th century map of Asia published in London by John Bowles, with regions indicated by colour. Central Borneo is labelled ‘Part inhabited by the Biayos’, which is seen on many contemporary maps, often with the comment ‘a savage people’.

Created for Middleton’s ‘Complete System of Geography’, this map of Asia includes the ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia, the Sunda Islands and Moluccas of maritime Southeast Asia, as well as the Philippines and New Guinea.

Longitude is indicated in two different ways on this mid-18th century map: along the top border, it is shown in degrees (number of degrees east of London); more unusually, along the bottom border, it is shown in time (number of hours east of London).

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.

The letters ‘E’ or ‘D’ are marked after place names to indicate if they are English or Dutch colonial possessions: e.g. ‘Marleborough Fort E’ on Sumatra or ‘Concordia Fort D’ on Timor. The Philippines are labelled ‘to Spain’.

The letters ‘E’ or ‘D’ are marked after place names to indicate if they are English or Dutch colonial possessions: e.g. ‘Marleborough Fort E’ on Sumatra or ‘Concordia Fort D’ on Timor. The Philippines are labelled ‘to Spain’.

The title of this early 18th century map of Asia by the London-based cartographer Herman Moll (1654?–1732) refers to European colonial territories. These can be seen around the coast of India, but mostly had not yet reached further east.