Grade the System Maps

[btconet]

In line with the website threads comes this thread.  I've always been a sucker for system maps, particularly those with all surface transit routes (as opposed to those that just show the subway or commuter rail system).

Having looked at maybe hundreds of systems over the years, I've naturally acquired a few favorites, and in analyzing what I like, a few things have been on my positives list.

- multiple colors for surface routes wherever possible: even better are using multiple colors to deliniate route types.   
- background street or landmark detail in a clear a fashion as possible.
- detail of other systems overlaid on the same map with less pop (i.e. greyed out)
- terminal indicia where routes end, preferably with sign readings.

The New York bus maps probably come closest to me to having the best of all worlds included, but there are some other great ones out there.

Comments?

[WMATAGMOAGH]

Not a direct answer, but you should get that coffeetable book with every subway map in the world.  It analyzes almost every map in relation to what the author thinks the most important design aspects of a subway map are.

[coneyraven]

Oren,

If you would, please refresh my memory as to the title and author....believe or not, I have never seen this book, but would actually love to have a copy...

Thanks,

M

[coneyraven]

Oh, and as for maps, my favorite will always be the WMATA --- But I'm partial to that one....one of my least favorites is the London Underground map....while it looks nice, it is SOOOO off base when it comes to spatial aspects of the system....As for the easiest to understand in a difficult situation...New York wins hands down....Using the Manhatten trunk lines as the primary colors, then going out from there...I personally find that one very easy to navigate.

[Scrabbleship]

I'm not Oren and I hate to steal his thunder, but I think he was referring to Transit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden and Mike Ashworth. Most Borders or Barnes & Noble should have it in stock and it was the source for an early thread on here about the early 80's round-robin blue/orange lines.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

I'm not Oren and I hate to steal his thunder, but I think he was referring to Transit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden and Mike Ashworth. Most Borders or Barnes & Noble should have it in stock and it was the source for an early thread on here about the early 80's round-robin blue/orange lines.

That is the one.  Don't worry, no harm in answering the question.  I couldn't remember the exact title/authors and my copy isn't here.

[WayneNYC]

Again, I have to give major props to my hometown.  I think they do an awesome job with map.  In addition to the station name they also list the intersection, bus routes (not only NYCTA) and other points of interest.  Lots of detail that's actually close to being precise.

A few years ago during a layover at O'Hare I picked up a CTA map which also seemed to be very good.   

[btconet]

Here's a not too well known source for a pretty darned good System Map for Philadelphia, that includes far better information on NJTransit than even NJTransit provides ANYWHERE.   For that reason in particular, it is probably an overall improvement on the SEPTA system map.

However, I do wish in a future version, they'd at least use some multi-color applications for the surface bus routes, possibly thickening the rail routes just slightly to better diffentiate bus and rail, and using at least 4 or 5 colors for bus routes to make their routings stand out a bit better.  Still very impressive...

http://www.phillymap.com/maps.html