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Early navigation map of the South China Sea. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation. A route around the Gulf of Thailand is marked with text and the dates 1643 and 1644.

This late 17th century map of Asia is by William Berry, based on an earlier map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson. Dedicated to King Charles II, it features the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom in its elaborate cartouche.

This late 17th century map of Asia is by William Berry, based on an earlier map by the French cartographer Nicolas Sanson. Dedicated to King Charles II, it features the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom in its elaborate cartouche.

A brightly-coloured hand-drawn map of the South China Sea. The compass is at the centre of a rhumbline network, a web of lines to aid navigation. Bathymetry (sea depth), islands, anchor points, shoals and reefs are also marked.

The island of Java was initially labelled on this map as ‘Iaua Minor’ (Java Minor), but this was altered to ‘Iaua Maior’ (Java Major), reflecting the common confusion over the names at the time. Sumatra and Borneo were both similarly mis-labelled.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

Latin text written on New Guinea explains that it is uncertain whether it is an island or part of ‘Australis’ (‘southern land’) a name that was used for a continent thought to exist in the region (and after which Australia was eventually named).

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.