London Underground: Geographically Accurate Map Obtained By Freedom Of Information Request
A Geographically Accurate Map of The London Underground Has Been Prised From TfL
Sara C Nelson— The Huffington Post UK
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The London Underground map has become something of an unofficial mascot for the capital, but the familiar refrain that it’s just not physically accurate remains.
Despite this, the classic straight lines and sharp angles of the 1933 template by electrical draughtsman Harry Beck have endured, regardless.
Until now that is…
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This is how London's complex transport network really winds its way around the city
According to City Metric, one James Burbage has managed to prise a geographically accurate map of the network from Transport for London – using a Freedom of Information request.
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The map is in stark contrast to the 1933 template of classic straight lines and sharp angles by electrical draughtsman Harry Beck
His request, dated 13 August 2014, can be viewed online at government and public sector watchdog What Do They Know? Crucially it acknowledges any information which could pose a concern for health and safety will be omitted.
Dear Transport for London,
Please supply a geographically accurate map of all the stations platforms, lines and tracks that form the London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and National Rail services where applicable, which is updated as of August/September 2014.
Omit information which could pose a concern for health and safety.
Yours faithfully,
J. Burbage
The map which TfL responded with shows all London’s railways – including a few which have not yet been built.
Croydon’s tram routes are also on the map, as are main roads and major parks. To view the map in all its strangely cluttered and knotty glory, click here.
A new official Tube map was released by TfL earlier this year and features 28 new London Overground stations taken over from National Rail services – thus populating it with a whole lot of extra orange...
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The London Underground updated its official map in May. Click to enlarge
Early Tube maps were simply geographical versions with the lines overlaid. This shows the District Railway and the Metropolitan Lines and the Circle Line which joined the two in 1884. (credit:Transport for London)
1908(02 of27)
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An early example of 'UndergrounD' logo. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1921(03 of27)
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This map shows interchanges as white dots and discarded all detail other than the lines. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1933(04 of27)
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1933 saw the first example of Harry Beck's schematic maps, created in an attempt to make them more readable. The move marked a turning point in their design. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1937 (05 of27)
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This pre-war version shows areas of interest such as galleries and cathedrals. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1937(06 of27)
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(credit:London Transport Museum)
1936(07 of27)
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The words 'London' and 'Transport' added to the logo. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1943(08 of27)
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Evidence of Beck attempting to limit the use of diagonal lines in his designs. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1948(09 of27)
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(credit:London Transport Museum)
1951(10 of27)
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This version was adjusted so that Richmond was placed next to the Thames unlike previous maps. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1958(11 of27)
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The bends of the River Thames become more pronounced, reflecting the format of the lines. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1963(12 of27)
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The Underground's Publicity Officer, Harold F Hutchinson, took over design duties for this version but it's cluttered look did not go down well. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1964(13 of27)
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Paul E. Garbutt's design allowed for bends in the lines to create space for station names. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1970(14 of27)
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The more familiar 'Underground' logo appears with evenly sized characters. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1974(15 of27)
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The Victoria line all the way to Brixton appears. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1977(16 of27)
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One of the last pre-Jubilee Line era maps. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1986(17 of27)
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The original Charing Cross station is renamed Embankment. (credit:London Transport Museum)
1987(18 of27)
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(credit:London Transport Museum)
1990(19 of27)
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Jubilee line extensions added (credit:London Transport Museum)
1994(20 of27)
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(credit:London Transport Museum)
1998(21 of27)
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Zonal areas introduced on the maps. (credit:London Transport Museum)