Related to the parabolic map of the Moscow Metro, here’s a unique take on the Washington, DC Metro – as a spiral. A visually compelling image, and great at showing links between routes, but not actually that useful as a map.

Have we been there? No.

What we like: Amazingly creative way of re-imagining the system. Looks fantastic! Shows links between routes at transfer stations very effectively.

What we don’t like: Absolute lack of geography makes this almost totally useless as an actual map – according to it, all routes run parallel to each other in a spiral. Also implies that all routes are of an equal length, which they are not. While this map could be used to navigate the system if you knew the names of the stations you wanted to travel between, it tells you nothing about how those stations relate to the city around them. Transit maps often abstract geography, but general north/south/east/west relationships need to be shown in some form.

Our rating: Probably best to consider this as art – and good art! – than an actual usable map. As the author himself states, “My opinion is that it’s a map… it’s just not a good one.” Extra points for looking awesome and being creative. 3 stars.

Source/Creator: thisisbossi/Flickr