I also appreciate the icons that direct tourists to important sites (Arlington Cemetery, the Smithsonian), while others direct locals to commute options (parking lots, buses, and light rail stations). Metro Mapĭ.C.’s metro system map is wonderfully designed with transfer points that really pop out against its thick and brightly colored lines. Its soft color palate, thin line weights and use of white space make Madrid’s metro map very pleasant to navigate. Although geographically inaccurate, its timeless design has become the prototype for most of the world’s transportation systems. The map’s iconic status is due in part to its exemplary design principles and its utility for easy journey planning. Harry Beck’s London Tube Map is arguably the most famous map in the world. The Map that Revolutionized Transit Design-LONDON London In effect, modern maps have been exponentially easier to navigate and much better looking.īelow is a collection of transit maps that top the list in both beauty and utility.
Over the years, transit maps have evolved from geographic representations to simplified diagrams. It combines functionality with beauty, and survives as an inspiration to designers today. London’s transit map set the bar for succeeding maps around the world. Pushing geographic accuracy aside, Harry laid out underground routes using beveled edges turning at clean 90- and 45-degree angles. However, Harry Beck, mastered the art of communicating a complex system into a minimalistic diagram when he designed the London Underground map in 1931.
Not to mention, the design of the subway map can directly influence ridership numbers and can indirectly have an effect on traffic congestion and pollution.ĭesigning a transit map for one of the biggest cities in the world is no easy task. Conversely, if a rail map is easy to navigate and pleasing to look at, it makes exploring that city much more enjoyable. If a map is cluttered, disorganized and confusing, then I judge that city accordingly. When traveling to a new city, transit maps often represent the first impression of that destination. As a directionally-challenged designer who loves to travel, I can appreciate a well-designed map.
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