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The note in French at the top left of this map states that although the map is accurate, the names of many small islands have been omitted to avoid confusion, and that more details will come later.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

First published in 1734, and commonly known as the ‘Velarde map’, this map by the Spanish cartographer Pedro Murillo Velarde is regarded as the first important map of the Philippines. This is a later version, lacking 12 drawings on the map's sides.

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.

Map marking the routes through maritime Southeast Asia of two delegations: a French delegation from Brest, France to Siam in 1685; and a Siamese delegation from Siam to Brest in 1686. A note next to Aceh records a sea battle against Portugal in 1616.

Notes on this map describe European colonial territories and trade with Asia, though this is concentrated around India, and mostly has not yet reached further east to ‘India extra Gangem [India beyond the Ganges]’ as Southeast Asia is labelled.

The legend and written notes on this plan of Batavia (Jakarta) provide much detailed information about the important port city in the early 18th century. It is also beautifully decorated with paintings of the city, local people, animals and ships.

Map of Asia with notes on the history of the region. Some place names are unusual: Sumatra = ‘Chersonese’, Philippines = ‘Iles Sabadibes’, Maluku Islands = ‘Iles Barusses’, Sunda Islands = ‘Iles Sindes’, Malay Peninsula = ‘Dorée’, Borneo = ‘Sinde I’.

Map of Asia with notes on the history of the region. Some place names are unusual: Sumatra = ‘Chersonese’, Philippines = ‘Iles Sabadibes’, Maluku Islands = ‘Iles Barusses’, Sunda Islands = ‘Iles Sindes’, Malay Peninsula = ‘Dorée’, Borneo = ‘Sinde I’.

This elaborately illustrated map of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans includes the eastern islands of Southeast Asia. The routes of five expeditions west across the Pacific are marked, including that of Ferdinand Magellan to the Philippines in 1520.

This map's cartouche features an illustration of three men bowing before a ruler on a throne. There is also what was probably meant to be a lion, though the poor likeness suggests it was based on written descriptions rather than real life experience.

This map's cartouche features an illustration of three men bowing before a ruler on a throne. There is also what was probably meant to be a lion, though the poor likeness suggests it was based on written descriptions rather than real life experience.