Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 13-2: The same fictional network mapped in Figure 13-1 is shown
here using a schematic approach. Geospatial accuracy is traded for clear
communication of stops and logical physical relationships.
The lesson of Beck's map was that exact spatial locations in a network are
often less important than spatial relationships and that some flexibility in
the location of nodes and links can greatly improve legibility. The approach
also serves to reinforce a universal principle of visualization, which is to
make surethatevery bitofink isadding clarity totheessence ofinformation
being sought and to remove all else.
What Beck realized is that riders only need to know landmark station
names, as well as thename and direction ofthelines theyare taking in order
to navigate underground. Geographic context was useful for understanding
where to get on and off but impractical for a pocket-sized map and not
needed once traveling on the system. By removing all but one reference
to what was above ground (other than what was communicated by station
names), Beck was able to maximize the clarity of what was below ground.
 
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