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Navigation map of the northern South China Sea, with bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs. There are five maritime routes to Canton and one to Manilla marked, and inset maps of the Gulf of Tonkin and bays and islands in the Philippines.

Navigation map of the southern South China Sea, with bathymetry (sea depth), islands, shoals and reefs marked. There are four maritime routes to China marked, with notes on what months or monsoon season to use them. Inset map of Gulf of Thailand.

A navigation map of the Java Sea and Sunda Islands, with bathymetry (sea depth), maritime routes, shoals and reefs, and elevations (side views of terrestrial landmarks). Inset maps feature the bay at Batavia and the straits between the Sunda Islands.

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.

This early 19th century map shows the islands, shoals and reefs in the harbour of the important port city of Batavia (Jakarta) in the Dutch East Indies. Individual islands and reefs are named, as are the rivers and canals on land.

The ports of Batavia (Jakarta) and Bantem (Banten) feature on this navigation map of the north coast of Java. Shoals, reefs, bathymetry (sea depth, in figures) and anchor points are marked, with explanatory notes written next to some islands/reefs.

Navigation chart of the Sunda Strait, with sea depth, anchor points, shoals and other obstructions. Includes many bays, with four highlighted on inset maps. Partly based on writings of Captain Krusenstern whose 1806 route through the strait is shown.

Navigation chart of the Sunda Strait, with sea depth, anchor points, shoals and other obstructions. Includes many bays, with four highlighted on inset maps. Partly based on writings of Captain Krusenstern whose 1806 route through the strait is shown.

Map focusing on the passage between Penang Island and the mainland, with shoals and reefs marked and described, and bathymetry (sea depth) shown. There are anchor points at George Town harbour, and landmarks—hills, trees, a fort—to aid navigation.

Map focusing on the passage between Penang Island and the mainland, with shoals and reefs marked and described, and bathymetry (sea depth) shown. There are anchor points at George Town harbour, and landmarks—hills, trees, a fort—to aid navigation.

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).

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.