An introduction to mapping public transport networks

Making sure the right information is available at the right location is at the heart of Auckland City's public transport strategy. Route network maps are a vital part of this strategy and serve an important role in communicating critical information to passengers. GardyneHolt, a graphic design company with specialist knowledge and skills in mapping public transport systems, has been working in partnership with Auckland Transport for over a decade designing and developing map styles.

Easily understood public transport maps encourage passengers to take advantage of existing bus and rail networks. It is important, however, that the detail of information displayed to passengers is tailored for the location at which it is used. Auckland Transport currently utilise two mapping styles for this purpose: geographically accurate maps, and diagrammatic schematic maps.

Geographic maps provide passengers with a high level of detailed information specific to a particular bus/train route e.g. the exact position of schools, parks, hospitals, museums and other significant landmarks are displayed in relationship to the route. Timetable brochures, which include accurate geographic maps, can be conveniently carried by passengers as they travel. These maps are an invaluable guide in helping passengers find their way to a specific off-route street or landmark once they have arrived at a destination. Precise geographic maps are also displayed at key transport interchanges where passengers can explore these information dense maps at their leisure. Until recently, geographic maps had been used at Auckland on-road bus stops, but last year Auckland Transport approached GardyneHolt with the challenge of designing schematic maps for their bus network; maps which retained some geographic features and integrated rail services. This new style of map has been displayed at selected bus stops since early 2011.

As human beings we store information about our physical environment by creating mental maps based on the relationship between significant landmarks. Schematic maps are easily understood by passengers because they work the same way as our mental maps by visually communicating spatial concepts and relationships. This allows passengers to solve problems faster and more accurately which helps facilitate 'way finding' on complex bus and rail networks. This is especially useful when passengers are reading maps at on-road bus stops during bad weather or in poor lighting conditions. The disadvantage of schematic maps is that they intentionally distort geographic features, and sometimes network locations, to display route information clearly and concisely, and details are often omitted making these maps more information light.

Ultimately, route network maps are defined by the needs and perceptions of the passengers who utilise them. Schematic maps are ideal for quickly determining the most efficent way to travel between different locations, whereas detailed geogrphic maps serve a greater variety of needs and purposes. Both styles of map, however, form an invaluable partnership in communicating different, but essential levels of information to passengers using public transport.

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