The Arrowsmith family was one of London’s leading publishers of maps and charts in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This chart, published in nine sheets, was Aaron Arrowsmith’s most important contribution to the mapping of the Pacific. It was published in several editions from 1798 through to 1832.

This chart includes all European knowledge of the Pacific up to the date of publication in 1798, including James Cook’s three voyages. It was dedicated to Joseph Mendoza y Rios, a Spanish astronomer and mathematician, known for his work on navigation and production of astronomical tables for navigation.