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Map of the northern Malacca Strait—between Sumatra and Malaya—with shoals and reefs marked, some labelled as ‘dangerous’. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation.

Map of the northern Malacca Strait—between Sumatra and Malaya—with shoals and reefs marked, some labelled as ‘dangerous’. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation.

This mid-18th century plan of the city of Malaca (Malacca/Melaka) focuses on the military fort (‘A Famosa [The Famous]’), but also includes two churches, a mosque and a Chinese temple. Two markets are also marked, as is the entrance to the port.

This mid-18th century plan of the city of Malaca (Malacca/Melaka) focuses on the military fort (‘A Famosa [The Famous]’), but also includes two churches, a mosque and a Chinese temple. Two markets are also marked, as is the entrance to the port.

This mid-18th century plan of the city of Malaca (Malacca/Melaka) focuses on the military fort (‘A Famosa [The Famous]’), but also includes two churches, a mosque and a Chinese temple. Two markets are also marked, as is the entrance to the port.

Map of Asia based on observations of members of the French Academy of Sciences. Its decorative cartouche features a drawing of a censer (incense burner).

Map of Asia based on observations of members of the French Academy of Sciences. Its decorative cartouche features a drawing of a censer (incense burner).

This 18th century map was designed to aid navigation through the Strait of Malacca between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Shoals, reefs and islands are marked, and the numbers printed on the strait record sea depth (bathymetry).