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This map of Asia, from an atlas by the German cartographer Karl von Spruner, is colour-coded to show the possessions of the Indian Maratha Empire, and of the European colonial powers at the end of the 18th century.

In the 18th century, European maps tended to use their own country’s meridian, so on this French map of Asia longitude is measured from the Paris Meridian. Southeast Asia is divided into regions such as the Birman Empire, Yunshan and Tonquin.

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.

Chart of maritime Southeast Asia, showing bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals, reefs, landmarks, and notes (‘Rock seen at Low Water’), all to aid navigation. A rhumbline network has been drawn on the map in pencil. Only one sheet is present.

In the 18th century, European maps tended to use their own country’s meridian, so on this French map of Asia longitude is measured from the Paris Meridian. Southeast Asia is divided into regions such as the Birman Empire, Yunshan and Tonquin.

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.

Chart of maritime Southeast Asia, showing bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals, reefs, landmarks, and notes (‘Rock seen at Low Water’), all to aid navigation. A rhumbline network has been drawn on the map in pencil. Only one sheet is present.