Transport for London
Maps and signs
Legible London's clear and intuitive mapping is bringing a new way of walking to the Capital.
Our maps and signs help people:
- Find their way by detailing the landmarks they'll pass on their journey
- Estimate the time it will take to reach their destination
On this page:
Street furniture
Prototype on-street signs
Three different signs are used in the prototype to suit the surrounding streetscape and users' information needs.
- Wider signs
These include detailed directional information and a large walking map to illustrate a five-minute walk in any direction. They are used where groups of people can stand without blocking the path of others - Taller, narrower signs
These signs offer detailed information on the local area but are useful where pavement space is at a premium. Their height ensures they are visible from a distance and can be spotted above a crowd of people - Finger posts
Thesre are more traditional signs pointing the way to particular places
Colour and contrast
The signs use high contrast colours so they can be read easily. Each prototype sign is clearly identified with a yellow strip at the top and a walking man icon.
Visit our gallery showing the signs in action
Map features
'Heads-up' mapping
Rather than having north at the top, on-street signage maps are 'heads-up', which means they're orientated to face the same way as the user is facing. This helps people understand their immediate environment more easily.
Accessibility
Important information is located between 900mm and 1800mm above the ground so it can be easily read by most people. Among other things, the maps show steps, pavement widths and pedestrian crossings, which are important for visually-impaired people, wheelchair users and others with limited mobility.
Time to walk
Research shows people can more easily understand the proximity of places if they know how long it will take, rather than the distance they have to travel. This is why we use time as the scale for Legible London maps.
Walk this way
Directional information is used to point the way towards areas of London, as well as specific attractions.
3D buildings
Illustrations of key buildings are included to help people who struggle to read maps, including those with learning difficulties. They provide a literal representation of key landmarks and make the maps more intuitive.
Planner map
The planner, or 15-minute, map helps orientate the user by showing the proximity of 'villages' to each other. This helps give the user the confidence to try longer walking journeys.
The 15-minute walking circle indicates places that can be reached within that time, when walking at an average pace.
Finder map
The finder, or 5-minute, map is more detailed than the planner map and features a number of landmarks, to help guide the user towards specific streets and attractions.
It includes a five-minute walking circle indicating places that can be reached within that time, when walking at an average pace.
Integrated transport
Bus stops, Tube stations and taxi ranks are all included.
Street finder
Street names are listed in alphabetical order to help people locate individual streets, as they would with other maps.
