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Bowles's new one-sheet map of Asia, divided into its empires, kingdoms, states, and other subdivisions

event1795

location_onBrunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

A late 18th century map of Asia published in London by John Bowles, with regions indicated by colour. Central Borneo is labelled ‘Part inhabited by the Biayos’, which is seen on many contemporary maps, often with the comment ‘a savage people’.

A chart of north-west coast of Borneo: from Balambangan to Borneo proper

event1794

location_onMalaysia

Nautical charts, like this late 18th century example of the north-west coast of Borneo, were designed to help ships navigate. The numbers marked along the coastline and sea routes indicate the depth of the sea (bathymetry).

The coast of India from Pulo Timon to Pulo Cambir comprehending the Malayan coast, the Gulf of Siam, the coasts of Tsiampa and Cochinchina, with the adjacent islands and part of the isle of Borneo

event1794

location_onThailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam

Nautical charts like this are detailed around the coasts and on the seas (e.g. river mouths, islands, shoals and reefs) while the interiors are blank. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry).

Chart... Shewing the Connection and respective distances by Sea, between the principal harbours and Settlements in the East Indies

event1794

location_onThailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia

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.

Asia and its islands according to D'Anville: divided into empires, kingdoms, states, regions, &ca.

event1794

location_onBrunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Southeast Asia

This late 18th century map features a number of labels describing the local populations, including the Kemoys ('Savage People') of the mountains of Cokin China (Vietnam), the Biayos of Borneo, and the 'Wild People' of the mountains of Pegu (Myanmar).

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