The London Underground finally Publishes A Geographically correct Tube Map

Colorfully laid out consistent with the clean, minimalist principles of electric diagrams, Henry Beck’s map for the London Underground is unquestionably a design traditional; one that has been updated—but never essentially changed—for over 80 years. the issue is, nice as it may be, it’s now not geographically correct. (A indisputable fact that causes as much as 30% of London vacationers to choose the wrong route, and every now and then inspired designers to think they can do higher by using “rounding the circle” of Beck’s Tube diagram into a right kind map.)

It seems, though, that the London Underground has secretly maintained an simply understood, geographically correct map of its tube routes for years. And now, because of a Freedom of information Request filed via James Burbage in 2014, it looks as if this more accurate Underground map shall be made available to everybody.

it’s referred to as the Geographical London Connections map, and it was once last up to date by way of Transport for London (TFL) in could 2014 for inside use. The map is quite simple to learn, obviously covering the Underground’s routes and gridlines over London’s neighborhoods, river, wharfs, and parks. It retains a lot of the legitimate tube map’s colours and iconography, so it form of looks as if the Beck Map was once stretched and distorted over a correct boulevard map of London.

When Burbage filed his request, he with politeness requested: “Please supply a geographically correct map of all of the stations, platforms, strains and tracks that form the London Underground, London Overground, Docklands light Railway and nationwide Rail products and services where applicable, which is updated as of August/September 2014. leave out knowledge which could pose a priority for health and safety.” A month later—which is a stunning flip around time compared to how long it takes for an FOIA request to be processed in the united states—the TFL used to be chuffed to oblige.

however the story would not end there. in keeping with Citymetric, response to the London Connections map has been so certain that the TFL has decided to maintain an updated version published on their website online. “This map used to be produced for engineering works planning and wasn’t designed for purchaser use, however we are happy to make any maps on hand which help our customers to shuttle in London, wrote Gareth Powell, director of strategy & provider construction at London Underground. “This map will subsequently be added to our website online.”

Now, travelers on the Tube will be capable to have one of the best of each worlds: Beck’s traditional diagram, and an accurate map to consult when that diagram is confusing. which you could explore the entire London Connections map here.