This map is a great example of how it’s attention to the little details that separate the great transit maps and the merely good.

At first glance, this map has all the elements of the best: a clean layout, an excellent and consistently applied set of icons for subsidiary information (parking, restrooms, lost and found, etc. – although any information about disabled access to the system is strangely lacking), and good informational hierarchy (note how the road network, although present, is toned down nicely in comparison to the rail lines).

However, closer analysis reveals some elements that jar, and stop this map from being truly world-class. When the Red and Yellow lines curve through 45 degrees together, the gap between them increases dramatically, creating an unsightly white bulge. I know from experience that this happens when Adobe Illustrator’s “Round Corners” effect is applied to any angle apart from a right angle – the algorithm the software uses is flawed and creates curves that don’t quite line up with each other. It’s always better to add curves to route lines manually to avoid this effect.

This map also outlines its routes in black, something I don’t think I’ve seen on any other transit map. It’s a finicky detail that goes against the simplicity shown elsewhere on the map, especially when the black edges butt up to the white circles around each station.

Other overly-designed features also affect the overall impact: the odd drop shadow below the header and the unnecessarily graduated grey background behind the legend.

Finally, type choices. Futura, the main typeface used throughout, is unusual in that it looks better at thinner weights. Compare the elegance of the header type with the bolder “Red Line” labels and it’s hard to believe it’s the same typeface! As a result, the legend looks very heavy, especially with the odd large caps/small caps combination used. Futura also has a relatively small x-height, which doesn’t make it the most readable typeface at smaller sizes.

Strangely, the contact information at the base of the map is set in Helvetica Neue Light, a completely different typeface!

Have we been there? Only at the airport on a layover between flights, which doesn’t count.

What we like: By current US transit map standards, this is a remarkably clean and restrained design and should be commended for that.

What we don’t like: “Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center” has to be one of the most ridiculous station names ever, vying with DC’s “U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo” for the title. Do the announcements call this whole name out every time?

Our rating: Almost, almost really excellent. Three-and-a-half stars.

Source: Official MARTA website