Ken Field wrote at 2007-02-28 11:35:

Not a new idea though (as one person notes on their blog it might even be plagiarised). Additionally, there is no route information and retaining the simple topological connections renders the map useless for anything other than a glance at the walk times.

Here's a novel idea for those wishing to walk...go buy a decent topographic map...you, know, the ones where geography hasn't been distorted and with that useful little device called a scale bar you can easily work out distances and, therefore, rough walking time between stations along whichever route you desire. Maps like this have been around for ages and a walker would find them more useful than this one. A map should be fit for purpose. This one isn't (and it's inaccurate...15 minutes Bank to Waterloo...only Mike could do that on his Brompton!)

Mike Smith wrote at 2007-02-28 11:40:

Whilst a topographic map is undoubtedly "fit-for-purpose", the tube map has become a paradigm for navigating London. The main variables you can map this way are time, distance, and direction. One web-map developed at Kingston included minimising station changes (intended for tourists). I'm sure there are other some other good ideas though.

Ken Field wrote at 2007-02-28 11:58:

...but the structure of the map is designed for the tube network and tube interconnectivity (and as you will see distance and direction are totally distorted by the graphics...only the addition of time labels on the 'lines' gives any clue). Connectivity on the surface is VERY different and a static 'Beck' style of map is not suitable. Web versions, interactivity and animation would be an improvement...but... just because people are SO familiar with the tube map does not make it suitable as a base template for other maps of the same area which require different approaches. Reclaim the streets! Use the right map!

James O'Brien wrote at 2007-02-28 12:26:

The most useful navigation maps around Tube stations are the ones that are normal topo maps with the stations marked on them.

The only genuinely useful application for something like this I think is a WAP/WML style webpage that gives you directions on your phone (so you can navigate in real time as required).

Using GPRS and the number of towers in London you could do a proper Location Based Services style project and navigate between stations in real time. Besides who cares about walking -time- I'm concerned with how -far- it is - then I'll make my own judgement about time.

Jason DM wrote at 2007-05-21 13:24:

isn't the primary purpose of the walk time map to get people thinking about their underground journeys and whether they could get where they need to go by other means (ie, on foot)?

It takes a frame of reference all users are familiar with (the tube map) then provides information about the alternative. You would need to be very familiar with London or have plenty of spare time to use the walk time map as your sole means of navigation from station to station.