Martin Bangratz’s map shows how the different lines intersect across London from up above
Deep below London’s bustling streets, the Tube rumbles on, a major part of daily life for countless Londoners.
And while TfL’s map is iconic, it’s not exactly geographically accurate. It’s designed to be easily read, not to represent the Tube precisely as it’s laid out.
But have you ever wondered what the Tube would actually look like it you could look down on it, seeing each line’s path highlighted?
One man decided to test this out, using a snap from a plane window to illustrate just how chaotic the layout actually is.
The creative mind responsible for remarkable piece of work is Martin Bangratz. The concept was originally conceived in 2018, when he came across a sweeping aerial photograph of the capital posted on Reddit.
Determined to realise his creative ambitions, Martin wasted no time in seeking permission from the photographer, @djsantero, to utilise the image as a backdrop upon which to chart the Tube’s complex network of routes.
Martin offered us an extraordinary aerial perspective of how our much-loved London transport map would appear when viewed from above. He painstakingly colour-coded each line to deliver a vivid visual depiction of how these vital arteries breathe life into every neighbourhood across the city.
Leaving absolutely nothing to chance, Martin went on to incorporate the Overground, DLR and Waterloo and City lines into his ambitious cartographic project. It was created prior to the Elizabeth line opening, which explains its notable absence.
Sharp-eyed Redditors were quick to identify a glaring omission – the conspicuously sparse number of Tube stations scattered across South London. One concerned user remarked: “South London tube really needs expanding.”
Another user chimed in with agreement: “Yeah, no wonder the Northern and Victoria lines are always rammed.”
One Redditor offered a geological explanation for this disparity, sharing: “I discovered a few days ago that the main reason is due to the geology of South London.
“North of the Thames is a thick layer of clay, which is ‘easy’ to tunnel through, or at least not dangerous. However the south is a very thin layer of clay and below that is waterlogged gravel and that makes it very hard and dangerous to tunnel through.”
A further commenter provided historical perspective, noting: “Also South London was well-served by an extensive tram network during the time tube construction was fashionable.”
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