Effect of Compositions of MRT System Route Maps on Cognitive Mapping

Meng-Cong Zheng,Yao-Wei Liu

doi:10.3390/ijgi10080569

Meng-Cong Zheng, Yao-Wei Liu

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10080569

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Abstract

Route maps, common in public transportation systems, refer to thematic maps drawn according to topological concepts. To simplify complex route information, a transport network is represented using primary graphic elements. First used in 1931 with topological concepts, the octilinear design has influenced the compositions of traffic route maps to this day. The current study involved cognitive mapping research on a representative route map in Taiwan: the Metro Taipei Route Map. Through two task experiments, this study analyzed users’ cognitive behavior when using the route map and alternative route map representations. The results indicated that the route map composed of all curves resulted in higher user performance than maps using a hybrid system and the conventional octilinear system. The route map based on the hybrid system, which included a route in the shape of a perfect circle, was highly evaluated and subjectively preferred by the users. Thus, the addition of appropriate curves in route maps is beneficial for improving usability, cognitive memory, and subjective evaluation. Finally, adding travel time information to a route map effectively enhances users’ decision-making during route planning.

Highlights

The results indicated thatbased none on of the dedesign become ineffective under certain circumstances, design approaches that depart sign rules could be regarded as the gold standard; when route maps based on octilinear from become conventional concepts are likely to circumstances, result in usability enhancements
We found that 68.8% of the participants drew metro routes first before drawing specific points and annotated station names before extending other routes from a transfer station
We referenced the basic elements of route map composition proposed by Nagao et al [15]; stations, routes, and transfer station served as the items for classification

Summary

Introduction

Adding travel time information to a route map effectively enhances users’ decision-making during route planning. Countries have implemented transit-oriented development and typically base their urban development on efficiency-improving public transport systems. Morrison emphasized transit map representation with simple geometric lines based on topological concepts [2]; this approach enables users to monitor their progress and switch routes more while rapidly understanding that the route map is not drawn to scale. A user might overlook distorted route map information caused by the map not being drawn to scale. Past studies showed distances between stations on a metro route map affected the users’ decision-making regarding their public transport route; difference between a route map and the actual distance traveled might limit people’s ability to avoid crowded routes.

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Discussion

Conclusion