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Two maritime routes—for use during the North-east and ‘fair’ monsoons—are shown on this late 19th century navigation map. The routes lead north through Southeast Asia, passing the Philippines, and ending in Hong Kong. Bathymetry (sea depth) is shown.

Designed to aid navigation around the western Java Sea, this map features bathymetry (sea depth), current and tide data, and is marked with shoals, reefs and other hazards. Written notes add details at specific locations (e.g. ‘heavy tide rips’).

This navigation map of the mouth of the Kaladan River on the west coast of Arracan (modern Myanmar) features drawings of coastal features (elevations), bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, landmarks, and notes on how to enter the river safely.

Chart of the Indian Ocean, showing climate and weather-related data, including around the seas and straits of Southeast Asia where trade routes are marked, along with monsoon and typhoon regions, and currents during the different monsoon seasons.

Chart of the Pacific Ocean, showing climate and weather-related data, including around the seas and straits of eastern Southeast Asia where maritime trade routes are marked, along with monsoon regions, ocean temperatures and currents.

A world map showing winds, hurricanes and typhoons, including trade winds, calms, typhoon, monsoon and hurricane regions in Southeast Asia. An inset map shows the approach of the Rodriguez Hurricane towards Java in 1843.

A world map, including Southeast Asia, showing rainfall information (darker shading indicates greater rainfall). Southeast Asia lies in the ‘Zone of the Periodical Rains’, and is marked with monsoons and ‘Electrical Explosions’.

Made for ‘A History of Java’ by Sir Stamford Raffles, this map includes a list of administrative districts with their populations, and four inset maps of harbours. Another inset map shows rocks and minerals, mountains and volcanoes, and teak forests.

Made for ‘A History of Java’ by Sir Stamford Raffles, this map includes a list of administrative districts with their populations, and four inset maps of harbours. Another inset map shows rocks and minerals, mountains and volcanoes, and teak forests.

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.

Navigation chart of the Sunda Strait, showing bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, landmarks, and a rhumbline network. Notes record good anchorages, sources of water and supplies etc. Inset map of the Zutphen Islands off the coast of Sumatra.

Map dedicated to William Cowper, whose coat of arms sits atop the cartouche. It features two horses holding a crest with three martlets (mythical birds used in heraldry). The cartouche also features Asian traders. Monsoons are marked on the map.