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Navigation map of the southern South China Sea, with bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs marked. There are four maritime routes to China marked, with notes on what months or monsoon season to use them. Inset map of Gulf of Thailand.

Navigation map of the southern South China Sea, with bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs marked. There are four maritime routes to China marked, with notes on what months or monsoon season to use them. Inset map of Gulf of Thailand.

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.