Search

The United States Treasury Department produced this map of trade routes crossing the Pacific Ocean between the United States and Asia. Each route is labelled with the names of its ports, and with the distance between them in miles.

Two maritime routes—for use during the North-east and ‘fair’ monsoons—are shown on this late 19th century navigation map. The routes lead north through Southeast Asia, passing the Philippines, and ending in Hong Kong. Bathymetry (sea depth) is shown.

Designed to aid navigation around the western Java Sea, this map features bathymetry (sea depth), current and tide data, and is marked with shoals, reefs and other hazards. Written notes add details at specific locations (e.g. ‘heavy tide rips’).

Produced in Spain, this mid-19th century map details the islands of Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines archipelago. Bathymetry (sea depth) is marked around the islands and on four detailed inset maps of ports in the region.

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.

This early 19th century hand-drawn map of Manila Bay has detailed instructions in Spanish on how to enter the bay, and the port at Cavite. Bathymetry (water depth), the mouths of rivers, and landmark mountains are shown to aid navigation.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.