I’ve covered a previous version of this map before (November 2013, 4 stars), but I think this recent update is worth showing, because it’s always fun to see how a concept can evolve over time.
Like the most recent version of the official map and Bernie Ng (November 2013, 3.5 stars). Andrew has come to the conclusion that placing the alphanumeric station identifiers inside each station marker is the best way to go, and it helps the map tremendously. Finding the extra space to place the identifiers adjacent to a station was always problematic, and will become even more so with triple interchanges like Dhoby Ghaut and Outram Park coming online as the system rapidly expands.
The new extension to the planned Thompson line past Gardens by the Sea allows Andrew to introduce a lovely curve that echoes that of the Downtown Line above it at the bottom of the map at Shenton Way – a big improvement over his previous iteration. The repeating loop motif that runs through this map is deftly executed and provides the “visual hook” that I always like to see in a good transit map: the design element that ties the whole thing together as a pleasing whole.
A few minor points: the two sets of LRT loops to the northeast are perhaps just a little too close to each other, with labels that almost clash at Compassvale and Coral Edge, for example. Similarly, stacking the label at Lorong Chuan in two lines would perhaps keep better visual distance away from the stations on the North East Line. The Downtown Line crossover could be a little neater: the dashes don’t quite align with each other, creating a bit of an ugly clash (Andrew’s previous map was actually better here). Some of the outer stations seem comparatively cramped in their spacing compared to the relatively spacious central area.
While the map appears quite schematic, it actually aligns quite well with geographic reality (at least in the central part), as shown by this working diagram.
Our rating: An intelligent evolution of ideas. Still four stars, but a better four stars, if you know what I mean.