A freshly updated version of one of our favourite alternative Tube maps.
The great strength and innovation of Harry Beck's original Tube map was its schematic approach. Stations were not plotted with geographical accuracy; all that most passengers needed to know was how the stations were connected relative to one another.
But what if we could keep design elegance while also having a bit more of an eye on the locations? That's Mark Noad's mission with his alternative Tube map.
Noad's geographically accurate Tube map was originally released in 2011, and updated a few years back to take into account the Elizabeth line and Northern line extension. This latest version is another big leap, with all six Overground lines shown with their new colours and names.
It should be emphasised that the map is not officially sanctioned by Transport for London, but is an independent experiment in how to do things differently. "It is intended to help people, particularly those unfamiliar with the city, to relate the underground system to London at street level," says Mark.
Is it better than the standard Tube map? Would newcomers to the city find it less confusing? It's hard to say from our viewpoint as well-seasoned Tube travellers. But we can certainly admire the curves. Pocket and poster versions of the map can be purchased from the Lettering and Arts Trust, of which Mark is a trustee.
Mark isn't the only one to update an alt.tube.map this year. A few months back, we reported on veteran map designer Max Roberts' circular Tube map, which has also had a major refresh.
