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On this map of Asia, the South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

On this map of Asia, the South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

The various regions of Southeast Asia are marked in different colours on this mid-19th century map. For example, on the mainland, the Birman Empire (Myanmar) is in yellow, with Siam (Thailand) in blue, and Anam (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) in green.

This late 19th century map of Southeast Asia shows the best maritime routes around the region, according to the time of year. There is also an inset map highlighting the rivers and southern islands of Singapore.

To aid navigation, this map shows small islands, shoals and reefs, maritime routes for use during monsoons or at particular times of the year, bathymetry (sea depth), past explorers’ routes, shipwrecks and text about monsoons, typhoons and currents.

An early 19th century map, with the regions of Southeast Asia marked with different colours. Interestingly, Cambodia and modern Vietnam (labelled here as Cochinchina and Tonkin) are grouped with China.

Published by the English cartographer John Cary (c.1754–1835), this colourful map of Southeast Asia includes a label naming the inhabitants of central Borneo as 'BIAYOS or the inland People'.

An early 19th century map of Asia by the English cartographer John Cary (c.1754–1835) with colour-coded regions.

Southeast Asia is on the last sheet of this map of Asia. The South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

An early 19th century map by the English cartographer John Cary, highlighting the mountain ranges and rivers of Southeast Asia. The map also features many place names of cities, towns and islands.

Map focusing on the passages between the islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Many 18th century routes are labelled with the ship/captain’s name and date, and there are notes on some shoals and reefs recording names, details and incidents/shipwrecks.

Map focusing on the passages between the islands of maritime Southeast Asia. Many 18th century routes are labelled with the ship/captain’s name and date, and there are notes on some shoals and reefs recording names, details and incidents/shipwrecks.