On the Design of Schematic Transport Maps

Abstract

Schematic drawings of route directions are one of the most common forms of graphic communication. People make sketches to communicate geographical ideas, and professionally designed schematic maps give orientation to thousands of users of a public transport system. Creating a schematic map for representing a transport network may be seen as a straightforward task; however, the underlying design of such maps can be quite complex. Map designers apply, consciously or subconsciously, various cartographic generalization techniques to emphasize important information and to improve the clarity of map content. At present, traditional mapping and GIS literature offers very little guidance to a map designer seeking cartographic rules or practical ideas for representing the elaborate route data of public transport systems schematically. This article aims to contribute to the design challenges of schematic, route-based mapping. Information about schematic maps and symbolization of route-based data is given. A case study of schematic map design for a public transport network is presented to show the need for support of cartographic science for the creation of schematic transport maps.