Conveying geospatial public transport information on the world-wide web: a review of the United Kingdom sources

Scrimgeour, R. and Forrest, D. (2008) Conveying geospatial public transport information on the world-wide web: a review of the United Kingdom sources. Cartographic Journal, 45(2), pp. 117-128. (doi: 10.1179/174327708X305111)

Abstract

The Geospatial Public Transport Information available for the United Kingdom on the World-Wide Web is evaluated. Searches for relevant websites were made at different geographical scales; the breadth of content covered and level of technology used was assessed for each site found. Public Transport Maps on each website were rated according to eleven aspects of cartographic design and Web functionality. It was found that interactivity (represented by the use of higher technology) was greater for websites giving Public Transport Information for larger areas; however, the majority of information was communicated through text or static maps. The use of colour and symbology was generally found to be good in Public Transport Web maps, but marginalia was often insufficient and hardcopy printing sometimes inadequate, limiting the usability of the maps. A number of guidelines for good practice in the production of Public Transport Web maps are suggested, stressing the importance of clarity and legibility, plus some comments on website functionality.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Forrest, Dr David
• Authors: Scrimgeour, R., and Forrest, D.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GA Mathematical geography. Cartography; H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Cartographic Journal
• Publisher: Maney Publishing
• ISSN: 0008-7041
• ISSN (Online): 1743-2774
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 The British Cartographic Society
• First Published: First published in The Cartographic Journal 45(2):117-128
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.