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This 18th century map of Southeast Asia by the French cartographer Gilles Robert de Vaugondy features the national borders of the Philippines in green, and of modern Indonesia in yellow. The Malay Peninsula and modern Cambodia and Vietnam are in red.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has colour-coded regions, with mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands bordered in blue, and India in red.

A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). The military forts on the islands were used by the European colonial powers during conflicts over the area’s spice trade.

From the second edition (1749) of ‘Atlas Portatif Universel et Militaire’ by the French cartographer Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688–1766), this map features the Philippines (in blue) and Maluku Islands (in red).

This mid-18th century map features a label noting that the Byayos people inhabited the mountains of central Borneo. Another note at the northeast tip of Borneo states that the location and number of islands in the area is uncertain.

The coast of New Guinea (‘Nouvelle Guinée’) is represented in part by a dotted line on this mid-18th century map, indicating that the exact coastlines were unknown at this time. The western tip is labelled ‘C. de Bonne Esperance [Cape of Good Hope]’.

Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Gunnanapi (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

A mid-18th century map of the island of Amboine (Ambon Island in the Maluku Islands of modern Indonesia), featuring mountains, rivers and paths. Other notable highlights include a ruined castle, a guardroom, and houses.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid in navigation. There is also an illustration featuring two Asian men depicted as warriors, with a robed woman, as well as a large lizard.

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.

This map features maritime routes: between Siam and Batavia; and five routes of the explorers Juan Gaetan and Olivier du Nord (dated 1542) east of the Philippines. The cartouche has a colourful illustration of Asian people in traditional costume.

A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). The military forts and ships were used by the European colonial powers during conflicts over the area’s spice trade.