Project Mapping – Scotland’s Trains
In the fascinating world of rail network mapping, Andrew Smithers’ Project Mapping stands out as a rich repository and a critical platform that redefines how we perceive and engage with transportation maps. His website, Project Mapping, not only showcases innovative rail maps but also serves as a vibrant forum for discussions on map-making.
He has a page dedicated to Scotland here.
Andrew Smithers, inspired by the iconic London tube map during his youth, developed Project Mapping out of his graphic design consultancy. The site is a deep dive into the intricacies of designing maps that are both functional and reflective of the rail services’ identities. It challenges traditional perceptions, offering new perspectives on what a map can and should convey about the rail network it represents.
At the core of Smithers’ philosophy is the belief that a rail network map does more than navigate passengers from point A to point B. He argues that these maps are a crucial part of the identity of any rail operation. They encapsulate and communicate the values and vision of the service providers—elements like punctuality, cleanliness, value, and comfort, which are vital for customer satisfaction. According to Smithers, while corporate branding through logos and color schemes offers recognition, the map’s design integrates these elements into a single, recognizable image that helps both customers and staff rally around the brand.
Smithers’ approach to map design emphasizes practicality and user engagement. He critiques the over-reliance on traditional styles, like those pioneered by Harry Beck for the London Underground, which sometimes distort spatial relationships and station importance for aesthetic neatness. Smithers advocates for a design ethos that respects geographical reality and reflects unique regional characteristics, enhancing user identification and understanding.
The website showcases several of Smithers’ innovative designs. Each project illustrates his commitment to making maps that are not only more accurate but also more intuitive. For instance, his UK rail maps utilize 22.5º angles to allow main lines to radiate from London accurately, reflecting the actual orientations and connections. Similarly, the Merseyrail map uses 30º and 60º angles to shrink the map size and better represent the network’s layout, a thoughtful deviation from the standard grid format that dominates most subway maps.
Smithers’ maps are dynamic; they evolve based on new data and user feedback. This openness to continuous improvement reflects the website’s broader goal: to stimulate debate and inspire innovation in map design. Project Mapping does not just serve as a promotional platform for Smithers’ own designs; it is a resource for anyone interested in the intersection of geography, graphic design, and urban planning.
Project Mapping also extends its educational impact by offering its maps in various formats, available for purchase through booksellers like Amazon, and as part of educational materials in digital and print forms. This accessibility ensures that a wide audience, from professional cartographers to transit enthusiasts and general readers, can appreciate and learn from Smithers’ work.
In essence, Project Mapping by Andrew Smithers is more than a showcase of schematic excellence—it’s a call to rethink how maps interact with their users and a demonstration of how design can transform mundane navigational tools into vibrant expressions of corporate identity and cultural narrative. For anyone fascinated by how we represent and navigate our world, Project Mapping offers a compelling look at the future of map-making.