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Apart from some small islands, this mid-17th century Italian map of the Indian Ocean features no land other than the islands of Sumatra and Java in the top right corner. Text on the map refers to winds (‘Venti’) and currents (‘Corrente’).

This mid-17th century Italian map shows the eastern islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Text on the map refers to winds (‘Venti’), currents (‘Corrente’) and air temperature (‘L'Aria è Calda e Humida [The air is hot and humid]’).

This mid-17th century Italian map is from Sir Robert Dudley's atlas ‘Dell'arcano del Mare’. It shows the Sunda Strait (‘Stretto di Sunda’) between the Southeast Asian islands of Sumatra and Java. Text on the map refers to currents (‘Corrente’).

Navigation map of the coast of the ancient kingdom of Pégou and near the town of Martaban (Mottama), Myanmar. Bathymetry (sea depth), anchor points, notes on currents and obstructions are marked, and there are drawings of side views of coastal hills.

Navigation map of the coast of the ancient kingdom of Pégou and near the town of Martaban (Mottama), Myanmar. Bathymetry (sea depth), anchor points, notes on currents and obstructions are marked, and there are drawings of side views of coastal hills.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to G) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes from the Isle de France (Mauritius) around the Indian Ocean are shown.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to G) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes from the Isle de France (Mauritius) around the Indian Ocean are shown.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to G) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes from the Isle de France (Mauritius) around the Indian Ocean are shown.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to F) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes—one old and two new—from the Isle de France (Mauritius) east to the Strait of Malacca are shown.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to F) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes—one old and two new—from the Isle de France (Mauritius) east to the Strait of Malacca are shown.

Maritime routes had to be adjusted in response to the changing monsoon seasons, as is seen on this late 18th century map of the Indian Ocean. Drawings of the heads of children blowing—called ‘wind-heads’—are used to indicate wind direction.

Two maps of the Indian Ocean showing currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented by letters A to F) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes—one old and two new—from the Isle de France (Mauritius) east to the Strait of Malacca are shown.