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Spread over four sheets, this topographical map was based on the explorations of the French civil servant Auguste Pavie. Lasting 16 years (1879–1895), his ‘Missions Pavie’ explored all of mainland Southeast Asia.

A nautical chart of the Indian Ocean showing bathymetry (sea depth), including in great detail around the seas and straits of Southeast Asia.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows), including during the North East and North West monsoons. Numbers on the arrows indicate the current’s speed.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing maritime routes, including some to and around Southeast Asia, where they pass through the Strait of Malacca, the Sunda Strait, and the straits between the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Marine chart of the Pacific Ocean, including Southeast Asia. Small islands, shoals and reefs are marked, and often named, around the seas and straits of the region.

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Although this map focuses on French colonial possessions in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, a small part of Southeast Asia is shown: labelled ‘Birmans’, it was part of the Birman Empire (modern Myanmar).

Mainland Southeast Asia is labelled ‘Indo-Chine’ on this mid-19th century map, with ancient kingdoms (e.g. Empire Birman) and colonial possessions (e.g. Straits Settlements) highlighted with colour. Major mountain chains and rivers are also named.

This map of Asia is marked with the routes taken through Southeast Asia by the British Royal Navy captain James Cook, and the French explorer Lapérouse. The title also refers to two other explorers: Louis Antoine de Bougainville and William Dampier.

This map of Asia is marked with the routes taken through Southeast Asia by the British Royal Navy captain James Cook, and the French explorer Lapérouse. The title also refers to two other explorers: Louis Antoine de Bougainville and William Dampier.