Search

Map of some of the Maluku islands around the Banda Sea, colour-coded by their administrative region, and with an elevation showing heights of mountains. (From ‘Algemeene Atlas van Nederlandsche Indie [General Atlas of the Dutch East Indies]’.)

Map of Amboina (Ambon) and surrounding islands just south of Ceram (Seram). An elevation (side view) of the islands shows the heights of their mountains. (From ‘Algemeene Atlas van Nederlandsche Indie [General Atlas of the Dutch East Indies]’.)

Includes part of maritime Southeast Asia. New Guinea is labelled as ‘discovered in 1527’—a reference to the Portuguese explorer Jorge de Menezes—with additional labels describing the terrain (‘Very low land’, ‘Coast is not well known’, ‘An Opening’).

Includes part of maritime Southeast Asia. New Guinea is labelled as ‘discovered in 1527’—a reference to the Portuguese explorer Jorge de Menezes—with additional labels describing the terrain (‘Very low land’, ‘Coast is not well known’, ‘An Opening’).

A late 18th century maritime map of Southeast Asia, marked with expedition routes including the return of Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour from Australia in 1770, and Captain Philip Carteret’s circumnavigation expedition in 1768.

Although mainly a navigation map—with a rhumbline network and elevations of mountains—there are also many terrestrial details shown, such as settlements and mountains. The inset map of Hoeamohel details plantations and the cultivation of nut crops.

This colourful hand-drawn portolan (nautical) chart was designed to aid navigation. It features a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, anchor points and written notes.

This mid-17th century Italian map shows the eastern islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Text on the map refers to winds (‘Venti’), currents (‘Corrente’) and air temperature (‘L'Aria è Calda e Humida [The air is hot and humid]’).

This map shows the route of the first Dutch expedition to Southeast Asia in 1595-7. Led by Cornelis de Houtman, it was an attempt to enter the spice trade. The route crosses east over the Indian Ocean, circles the island of Java, and returns west.

This map shows the route of the first Dutch expedition to Southeast Asia in 1595-7. Led by Cornelis de Houtman, it was an attempt to enter the spice trade. The route crosses east over the Indian Ocean, circles the island of Java, and returns west.