1.0 2.0

Line maps for Moscow Metro cars 2.0

Task:
to update line maps.

Line maps are located above doors in Moscow Metro cars. The second version of the maps follows the updated graphic style and contains information about new objects including the Moscow Central Circle stations.

Before  After

The maps now use Moscow Sans, Moscow Metro’s corporate typeface. The standard Metro pictograms were subtly refreshed and modernized. Overall, the second version maps look more reserved and laconic. The list of newly added objects includes Moscow Central Circle stations with indoor and outdoor transfers and intercity railway interchanges.

Maps for eight lines were created.

From Sokolnicheskaya to Kakhovskaya

Moscow Central Circle has received its own map.

It stands out among other maps as due to format limitations it was drawn as a looped circle in perspective. Distortion of all elements within the circle emphasizes the perspective.

Line designations now include line numbers to help foreign visitors who might not know line names and people with impaired color vision.

Before
After


LED display map

Rusich, Oka and Yauza type trains have an LED display above each door that shows the train’s movement from one station to the next. Train’s progression is marked by a growing line; LEDs for each station flash when the train reaches it. A special line map was created for the LED display following the common rules of Metro map design.

Mounted over the LED display, the map clearly shows the next station without having the passengers count the number of highlighted LEDs and match them with station names. Installation of the map does not require any modifications to existing displays: opaque tape with holes simply covers the existing the LED strip.

Without the map
With the map

The maps are made of several layers of light guide film and are designed with all technical constraints in mind. Labels on the maps are distributed equally along their entire width making them easier to read and comprehend.

Color paint layer

Dense layer
of opaque paint with holes

Transparent film

LED strip

Holes in the film are sized to free up as much space for text as possible and to never fall between the LEDs.

The first LED display map appeared in trains in November 2015. As the LEDs degrade and become less bright with time, it was decided to render the map in black.

New LEDsIn two yearsIn five years
NewIn 2 yearsIn 5 years

Passengers on Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line successfully used black maps for almost a year.

In line with overall Metro style changes, the pilot versions are now gradually being replaced by new improved maps.

Information screen

The screen shows the name of the current station when the train is stopped and the next station when it is moving. Additionally, it shows information about transfers, exits to railway terminals and airports, warns of closing doors and announces the end of the line.