The Tube Map

There is no doubt that the tube map is a design classic. This week it was redesigned (partly) and the river Thames was omitted from the design to huge public and political outcry. The river-less map can be found here.

When the map was initially designed, Harry Beck removed all superfluous information including geography. The 1908 map (at the bottom of the post) was the first tube map and took geography into consideration. Beck designed the first diagrammatic map in 1931, it was said to be inspired by electric circuit diagrams.

Despite lacking nearly all geographical features, the tube map has always maintained London's river. So when TfL (Transport for London) decided to omit the river there was a backlash. Note the following articles:

-BBC- Mayor orders Thames back on maps.

-The London Paper.

-The Guardian- Where has my beloved Thames gone?

This reminds us that people appreciate clarity and information laid out clearly, however they also have sentimental connections, which is an important thing to note in design.

The 1908 London Underground map. The first tube map that took geography into consideration.