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Henry Sharbau, born in Lübeck, North Germany, in 1822, was a distinguished cartographer whose contributions spanned the last half of the 19th century. He began his career with the Ordnance Survey of Scotland and later worked on Admiralty Surveys in the Hebrides and western lochs. By 1865, Sharbau served as a temporary assistant in the Hydrographic Office, a position he held until 1874, before becoming a British subject.

Sharbau's expertise took him to Japan, where he engaged in survey work for the Japanese Government for two years. Upon returning, he worked for the Home Office, the Admiralty, and in Stanford’s establishment. In 1881, he joined the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) as chief draughtsman, where he meticulously worked on cartographic material brought by travelers.

One of his notable achievements was the map of Tibet, supervised by General Walker and published by the RGS in 1894. Sharbau was recognized for his precise and conscientious character, and his maps were renowned for their artistic finish. He passed away in 1904, leaving behind a legacy that is still respected in cartographic circles.