MobilityLab/TransitNearMe — Issue #56: Icons/symbology should support rapid identification of transit mode
Author: caywood
Created: 2012-01-13 16:02:07+00:00
State: open

The UI should distinguish stops that are light rail, subway/urban heavy rail, commuter rail, etc. when zoomed in (when zoomed out, the length of lines is a cue to mode, but it's not perfect)

It would be even better if the UI supported wayfinding: it could help the user find the stop, once they got to the correct location.

Options:

1. Colored circles / graph symbols

2. Well-designed icons + decluttering of map

3. Hybrid of icons (e.g. for rail modes) and symbols (for bus stops)

I (and Andy) have talked to a graphic designer from DevSeed who is creating a new, freely licensed icon set for their projects, including transit icons. This is a cool opportunity to add polish to TNM and possibly the screens also. I have a fairly complete list of desired icons, and some ideas, but we should brainstorm the desired overall approach.