Can you call it a network map when it consists of one line and a soon-to-be defunct (and despised) monorail? A north pointer would really help here as well, as west is at the bottom of the map. Source: Michael “Comeng301M” Coley/Flickr
Here’s an interesting map from Nürnberg (Nuremberg) in Germany that uses 30-degree angles instead of the usual 45. There doesn’t seem to be major thematic reason as to why things have been done this way: I suspect that it’s purely to make the routes fit into the allotted space. Have we been there? Yes, in 2003. What we like: Competently done, with a visually pleasing layout and good information hierarchy – the U-Bahn and tram […]
This map was nominated by Tumblr user Tevi as the worst transit map ever. While I don’t agree, as the map is at least competently drawn, it does have some serious shortcomings, not the least of which is knowing how much detail is too much. Have we been there? No. What we like: The blue background behind the map is a refreshing change from white or neutral grey, and the north pointer is quite lovely […]
Reader Question: Help. I’m designing a tube map using Illustrator. I would like the x-height of the font I have chosen to be the same as the thickness of the tube lines. But Illustrator only seems to allow me to adjust the total height of any font, not the x height – so I can’t get a perfect match. Do you have any idea if this is possible? I Couldn’t find any information about it […]
Yellowstone National Park is probably one of the last places I would think of regarding transit maps — but here one is. The Linx Cooperative runs transport to and through the park and released this map for the 2012 season to showcase their services. Have we been there? Yes, but with my own transport. By the way, everyone should visit Yellowstone — it’s truly amazing (See my photoset on Flickr). What we like: Nice attempt […]
Hey, everyone! I’m thrilled to be able to share some news with you that I just heard about! My U.S. Highways as Subway Map has been accepted for inclusion in the inaugural edition of the NACIS Atlas of Design. There were 150 entries, and only 27 maps – all by different creators – have been accepted, so you can see why I’m excited about this! The Atlas itself promises to be superb, as evidenced by […]
Here’s a fantastic map out of England in the mid-60s, showing British Rail service in the Greater London area. It’s almost staggering to think that a map this well drawn was created without the use of computers. I definitely recommend clicking through to the large image on Flickr to savour all the beautiful, crisp linework: this map is technically excellent. Have we been there? Yes, and I’ve used many of the great London terminus stations, […]
A detail of the Vignelli diagram. Source: pressthebigredbutton/Flickr
I came across this map while browsing Flickr last night, and was totally blown away by it. This map of St. Petersburg’s Metro system is simply gorgeous and is far, far better than the current official map. Definitely one of my favourite maps of the year so far. Have we been there? No. What we like: So many things! The lovely pattern used for the waterways, the stylish icons for points of interest, the inclusion […]
Not every transit map conforms to the Beck-inspired 45-degree angles norm. Many of these maps choose instead to be more geographically accurate, but some – such as this example from Marseille, France – veer towards the surreal, with routes careening crazily all over the place with little sense of aesthetics or clarity. Have we been there? I spent half an hour at Marseille St. Charles waiting for a train to Nice, but haven’t ventured out […]
