Transit Maps

Above is the first abstracted transit map. It was created for the London Underground by Harry Beck. This is widely considered one of the greatest examples of visual design. Maps are pretty abstract anyway. People have to learn how to use them. Beck's map was a breakthrough because it took everything to a higher level of abstraction, literally cutting all extraneous information. It assumes people know where the stations are actually situated. For 95% of the riders, this is true. The other 5% can get directions or look it up on a traditional map. Once inside the system, all the relevant information, and nothing more, is shown on Beck's map. Every transit map made since has taken Beck's map into account.

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The only other transit map with a similar impact was Massimo's 1972 New York Transit map. It is notable for the stylish treatment of an enormous quantity of information.

Some other favorites:

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Stuttgart

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Moscow - I used to ride everyday from Rzyanski Prospect on the lower right to Pushkinskya to the upper right of the center.

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Tokyo is as extensive and complex as you would expect

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Zurich - this is my favorite



Here is a great site with worldwide transit maps