Mass Transport Maps

Metro Art maps
Metro Art maps

Transport maps are an essential tool for helping people navigate complex transportation systems.

A good transport map should be clear, easy to understand, and visually appealing. Over the years, many transport maps have become famous for their design, accuracy, and usefulness.

Here are a few examples of famous or significant transport maps:

London Underground Map

The London Underground Map is one of the most famous transport maps in the world.

Harry BeckDesigned by Harry Beck in 1931, the map revolutionized the way people navigated the London Underground.

Beck's design used a simplified, geometrically accurate system of lines and shapes that made it easy to understand the relationship between stations and their positions on the network. The map is still in use today, and its influence can be seen in the design of many other transport maps around the world.

Harry Beck LU Map 'circuit diagram' 1933
Harry Beck LU Map 'circuit diagram' 1933
Tube Map 1908
LU Map 1908 Geographic
LU Map 2024
LU Map 2024

New York City Subway Map

The New York City Subway Map is another iconic transport map that has been widely imitated.

An official map for all lines didn't exist until 1940, despite the service (split between three companies) beginning in 1904. The version of the map as we know it was designed by Massimo Vignelli in 1972, and it used a simplified, colour-coded system to represent different subway lines.

In 1991, a multilingual version of the map was printed in six languages commonly used by tourists: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. Additionally, Staten Island was initially not shown on the map except for a small corner inset. In 1998, a map of the Staten Island Railway was added to that inset.

The map was controversial at first, but it quickly became popular and has been updated several times over the years. Today, after several revisions the map is still known for its bold, graphic style and its use of a 45-degree grid that makes it easy to follow.

NY Subway Map
MTA NY Subway Map

Tokyo Subway Map

The Tokyo Subway Map is one of the most complex transport maps in the world, reflecting the complexity of the city's transportation system.

The map was designed by the Japanese design firm Information Architects and uses a layered, three-dimensional approach to represent the different subway lines. The result is a visually stunning map that is surprisingly easy to read, despite its complexity.

Tokyo Subway Map
Tokyo Subway Map

Paris Metro Map

The Paris Metro Map is another classic example of a transport map that has become an icon in its own right.

A symbol of the city, the Metro it is known for its density within the capital's territorial limits, uniform architecture and historical entrances influenced by Art Nouveau. The Métro has a cultural significance in the arts that goes well beyond Paris. The term "metro" has become a generic name for subways and urban underground railroads.

The map was first designed in 1900 and has been updated many times over the years. Today, the map is known for its elegant, Art Nouveau style and its use of colour and typography to differentiate between different subway lines.

Another graphic associated with the Paris Metro, the "Rabbit of Paris Métro" is an anthropomorphic rabbit visible on stickers on the doors of the trains since 1977 to advise passengers (especially children) of the risk of getting one's hands trapped when the doors are opening, as well as the risk of injury on escalators or becoming trapped in the closing doors.

This rabbit is now a popular icon in Paris similar to the "mind the gap" phrase in London.

RATP Metro Map of Paris
RATP Metro Map of Paris
Serge the Rabbit, Paris Metro.
Serge the Rabbit, Paris Metro.

Moscow Metro Map

The Moscow Metro Map is one of the most visually striking transport maps in the world.

Designed by Dmitry Baranov in 1935, the map uses a combination of bold colors, graphic shapes, and Cyrillic lettering to create a map that is both functional and beautiful. The map has been updated many times over the years, but it still retains its distinctive style and has become a symbol of the city's identity.

The Moscow Metro is a metro system serving the Russian capital of Moscow as well as the neighbouring cities of Krasnogorsk, Reutov, Lyubertsy and Kotelniki in Moscow Oblast. Opened in 1935 with one 11-kilometre (6.8 mi) line and 13 stations, it was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union.

Moscow Metro Map
Moscow Metro Map

Berlin U-Bahn Map

The Berlin U-Bahn Map is another iconic transport map that has been influential in the world of design.

The map was first designed in 1902 and has been updated many times since then. The current version, designed by Marcus Dittrich in 1993, uses a simple, modernist style that emphasises clarity and readability.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall the map became a historical marker, showing the union of the two separated transit lines. U-Bahn and S-Bahn. Seen in red and blue.

U Bahn development 1902-2009
U Bahn development 1902-2009
East-West Berlin merged map
East-West Berlin merged map
U-Bahn Berlin
U-Bahn Berlin

Hong Kong MTR Map

The Hong Kong MTR Map is known for its simple, clear design and its use of color to differentiate between different lines.

The map was first designed by Japanese designer Sanzo Wada in the 1970s and has been updated many times since then. The current version, designed by MTR Corporation's in-house design team, is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly transport maps in the world.

MTR Hong Kong subway map
MTR Hong Kong subway map

Barcelona Metro Map

The Barcelona Metro Map is famous for its use of bold, colourful shapes to represent different lines.

The map was designed by Spanish graphic designer Rafael de Espacio in the 1960s and has been updated several times since then. The current version, designed by Joan Margarit in 2008, retains the map's distinctive style while also making it more user-friendly and accessible.

Simplified Barcelona Metro Map, suitable for low ink home printing.
Simplified Barcelona Metro Map, suitable for low ink home printing.

Shanghai Metro Map

The Shanghai Metro Map is one of the most visually striking transport maps in the world.

Designed by Chinese design firm JFDI in 2009 it uses a bold, graphic style that combines Chinese and Western design elements. The map's use of colour and typography makes it easy to read and navigate, despite the complexity of the city's transportation system.

The Shanghai Metro system is the world's second longest metro system by route length, totaling 826 kilometres (513 mi) and the second largest system by number of stations, with 508 stations across 20 lines. It also ranks first in the world by annual ridership, with 3.88 billion rides delivered in 2019.

The Shanghai Metro system is one of the fastest-growing metro systems in the world. Ambitious expansion plans call for 25 lines with over 1,000 km (620 mi) of length by 2025. By then, every location in the central area of Shanghai will be within 600 m (2,000 ft) of a subway station. Urban cartographers should rest up in preparation.

Shanghai metro map. (Chinese edition)
Shanghai metro map. (Chinese edition)

Sydney Train Map

The Sydney Train Map is known for its use of simple, clear design elements and its emphasis on usability.

The map was first designed in the 1970s and has been updated several times since then. The current version, designed by Sydney design firm Frost* Design in 2013, uses a minimalistic style that emphasises clarity and readability. The map's use of colour and typography makes it easy to understand and navigate, even for those who are unfamiliar with the city's transportation system.

Returning to Harry Beck's groundbreaking map, Sydney issued its own interpretation in 1939. Whether London Underground was part of the sign-off is unknown.

Sydney Trains Network Map
Sydney Trains Network Map
Sydney Metro Map 1939
Sydney Metro Map 1939
Sydney Metro Station leaflet 1939
Sydney Metro Station leaflet 1939
London transport map graphic

Ok, I have to design a transport map for my city. What should I be thinking about?

Designing an urban transport map is a fascinating challenge that requires a blend of artistry and functionality. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Clarity and Simplicity

  • Avoid Clutter: Keep the design clean to ensure that users can quickly understand the information.
  • Hierarchy of Information: Use size, colour, and typography to guide the viewer's eye to the most important elements.

2. Legibility

  • Font Choice: Select clear, sans-serif fonts for readability at various sizes.
  • Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for easy reading.

3. Scale and Proportion

  • Relative Distances: Maintain a balance between accuracy and simplicity; sometimes, routes may need to be distorted for clarity.
  • Landmarks: Incorporate recognisable landmarks to help users orient themselves.

4. Colour Scheme

  • Consistent Palette: Use a cohesive colour scheme that reflects the city’s identity while differentiating routes effectively.
  • Accessibility: Consider colour-blind friendly palettes to ensure inclusivity.

5. User Experience (UX)

  • Intuitive Navigation: Design with the user’s journey in mind, making it easy to follow routes and transfers.
  • Information Density: Balance the amount of information; too much can overwhelm users, while too little can confuse them.

6. Cultural Context

  • Local Symbols and Icons: Integrate culturally relevant symbols or icons that resonate with local users.
  • Language Considerations: Include translations if necessary, especially in multicultural cities.

7. Technology Integration

  • Digital Compatibility: If applicable, consider how the map will function in digital formats (e.g., apps) and ensure it remains user-friendly on screens.
  • Interactive Elements: Think about incorporating QR codes or links for real-time updates on services.

8. Feedback and Iteration

  • User Testing: Gather feedback from actual users to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
  • Iterative Design Process: Be prepared to make changes based on user experience and evolving transport systems.

9. Sustainability

  • Materials Used: If producing physical maps, consider eco-friendly materials and printing methods.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can create an urban transport map that not only serves its purpose but also enhances the overall travel experience for users.

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