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This late 19th century map of Southeast Asia shows the best maritime routes around the region, according to the time of year. There are also inset maps highlighting the rivers and southern islands of Singapore, and the sea depth around Labuan Island.

On this map of Sumatra, the west coast mountain ranges contrast with the rivers to the east. An inset map of Singapore focuses on jungles along the coasts, and features bathymetry (sea depth) around the south coast and along the Singapore Strait.

Maps like this aided navigation through the islands, shoals and reefs of Singapore and the Malacca Strait. Three routes around Singapore are shown, numbers on the sea indicate water depth, and the profile views of mountains were used as landmarks.

This 18th century map was designed to aid navigation through the Strait of Malacca between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Shoals, reefs and islands are marked, and the numbers printed on the strait record sea depth (bathymetry).

This mid-17th century map of Southeast Asia has a maritime focus, with shoals and reefs, and the coastal areas marked in great detail, while the interiors remain mostly blank. The Great Wall of China can be seen at the top of the map.

This mid-17th century map of Southeast Asia is from Isaac Commelin’s book describing the voyages of the Dutch East India Company ‘Begin ende voortgangh…’. There is an inset map of the island of Botton (Buton Island, southeast of Celebes (Sulawesi)).