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Map from Johannes Olivier’s book ‘Land- en Zeetogten in Nederland's Indie [Land and Sea Journeys in the Dutch Indies]’, showing European colonial possessions and indigenous kingdoms in Asia.

A French map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset map of the island of Java. Colonies of Britain (Malay Peninsula), Spain (the Philippines) and Portugal (parts of Floris and Timor) are also marked.

This map shows the Dutch colonial possessions or dependencies in the East Indies during the early 19th century. Areas not coloured red remained under local rulers or were colonies of other European powers.

From ‘Thomson’s New General Atlas’, this mid-19th century map was based on an earlier map by the English cartographer John Cary. It highlights the mountain ranges and rivers of Southeast Asia, and also features many place names.

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’).

On this map of Sumatra, the west coast mountain ranges contrast with the rivers to the east. An inset map of Singapore focuses on jungles along the coasts, and features bathymetry (sea depth) around the south coast and along the Singapore Strait.

A hand-drawn map of the northern part of Batavia Bay, showing rivers and the city of Batavia (Jakarta). An inset map shows a proposed canal designed to join two parts of the Antjol River.

Hand-drawn map of routes through the Iris-straat (Iris Strait) and Triton’s-baai (Triton Bay) in New Guinea. Bathymetry (sea depth) and reefs are shown, and there is an elevation (side view) of the islands and hills seen at the bay’s entrance.

By Belgian geographer Philippe Vandermaelen (1795–1869), this 19th century map of the Malay Peninsula also features the Riau Islands—including the Anambas and Natuna islands in the South China Sea—the Straits of Malacca and the Singapore Strait.

Colonial possessions of the Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, as well as lands of ‘indigenous princes’ are marked with coloured borders on this map of maritime Southeast Asia. Hot springs and mineral water springs in Java are also listed.

This map of Asia is from the earliest version of ‘Stielers Handatlas’ by the German cartographers Adolf Stieler and Christian Gottlieb Reichard. The maps were initially published separately; later editions compiled them into book form.

This map of Asia is from the earliest version of ‘Stielers Handatlas’ by the German cartographers Adolf Stieler and Christian Gottlieb Reichard. The maps were initially published separately; later editions compiled them into book form.