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On the main map, the volcanic regions of Southeast Asia are labelled, active and extinct volcanos are marked, and the 1815 eruption of Tumbora (Mount Tambora on Sumbawa) is highlighted. Even more details are shown on an inset map of Southeast Asia.

On the main map, the volcanic regions of Southeast Asia are labelled, active and extinct volcanos are marked, and the 1815 eruption of Tumbora (Mount Tambora on Sumbawa) is highlighted. Even more details are shown on an inset map of Southeast Asia.

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.

An early 19th century map by the English cartographer John Cary, highlighting the mountain ranges and rivers of Southeast Asia. The map also features many place names of cities, towns and islands.

Map focusing on the passages between the islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Many 18th century routes are labelled with the ship/captain’s name and date, and there are notes on some shoals and reefs recording names, details and incidents/shipwrecks.

Map focusing on the passages between the islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Many 18th century routes are labelled with the ship/captain’s name and date, and there are notes on some shoals and reefs recording names, details and incidents/shipwrecks.

A late 18th century maritime map of Southeast Asia, marked with expedition routes including the return of Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour from Australia in 1770, and Captain Philip Carteret’s circumnavigation expedition in 1768.

From the first volume of John Seally’s ‘A Complete Geographical Dictionary’, this map of Asia includes the ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia, and the Sunda and Molucca islands (‘Molucca or Spice Islands’) of maritime Southeast Asia.

This map uses colour to identify regions in late 18th century Southeast Asia, many of which roughly correspond to modern countries: Pegu=Myanmar, Tonkin/Cochin China=Vietnam, Lao =Laos, Siam=Thailand, Malaya=Malaysia, Philippin Islands=Philippines.

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.

A map by the influential London cartographer, Herman Moll (1654?—1732), showing Southeast Asia in the context of the wider Asian region. Interestingly, the Strait of Malacca is labelled as the ‘Str. of Sincapora’ (Straits of Singapore).