I have decided to bring Design Writings back. Since I am no longer editing Boxes and Arrows, I thought I might occassionally have something to say. So here I am, back in the world and hope that folks find their way back.

Interested in the subway maps that you see when riding public transit? Wondering how different cities visualize their lines? Wonder no more. A cruise around the web has led me to this collection of subway maps from around the country. It even includes links to some international maps as well. Really interesting stuff when thinking about visualizing information and creating abstract meaning.

The above listing doesn't include the most famous map of all—the London Underground map. (this site takes awhile to load because the page has 36 images of London Underground maps over the last 100 years all on one page—worth the wait though.) Scroll down to 1933 and you see the famous map by Harry Beck that re-adjusts all the lines and creates a balanced and proportional information design out of the map information. No longer bound by reality of the geography, this map is a masterpiece of information design and set the standard for all subway / transit maps that came after.