2 replies to this topic

[Hans van der Maarel]

Since we had a worst map candidate topic here, I figured we should have a best map one too...

This is easily one of my favourites. Of course, being a big fan of the city of London, I'm kinda biased...

Most tourist maps of London are rags that you get for free when you book the trip, or you find them at the hotel front desk. They're nice, but not very convenient. My main complaint is that they do list the tube network, but on an inset map. The main map only shows the tube stations.

This one's different... It shows the tube lines right on top of the main map.

 scan_london.jpg   143.32K   366 downloads

(scan is crappy, I know...)

It folds nicely down to a 3x4 inch format so it can be easily carried in a pocket, is protected by a thin cardboard/thick paper cover (which has the tube network printed on it *again*), can be bought for 2 pounds on some of the tube platforms and comes with about 20 pounds worth of discount coupons. I've got 2 copies now, both quite battered as I got my first one in '98, which I both use every time I'm in town. I'll be visiting London again in 3 weeks and I'll probabely pick up a new one

[frax]

Hans - you can't just say it is best, what is it best at? Maybe this is the best city tourist map candidate? (sounds like it, and you give motivation for your candidate)

[Hans van der Maarel]

Hugo,

Should I have said 'bestest'?

Point taken. The main reason why I'm such a big fan of this map is its usefulness. In terms of design it's not really that special, the icons are even a bit distracting at some points... But if you consider the purpose of this map, I think it's perfectly suited for its particular niche.