New way to map streets – with logos

New way to map streets – with logos

New way to map streets – with logos


I came across this idea on the blog, Brand New, and was instantly compelled to check it out. Basically, it is a map made up of logos. Although this concept is fairly new, I think the idea behind it is amazing and they do such great job of pulling it off. As a designer, I know it is hard to make a collection of different logos look good when they all need to be placed in such a small area. But the company that creates these maps, CityMaps, achieves it beautifully.

CityMaps was founded in 2010 with the simple premise: “Today’s online maps are great at helping you get from point A to point B – but what about the journey in between?” It is a start-up company based in New York and so far they have created maps for three cities – New York, San Francisco and Austin. Aside from being a map, the maps also offer interactive capabilities like Twitter streams that help you find great deals around the city. The most compelling part for me was that the maps help you visualize a series of street blocks as retail landmarks rather than street names or building addresses. It is a visual overview of what’s where.

I wish I’d known about this new way of “mapping” earlier. I was in New York City over the holidays, and being able to visualize New York City this way would have been helpful. It was only the second time I had ever been there and it would of helped me find things. I arrived in NewYork at Penn Station and it was up to me to navigate the huge unknown city. Yes, NYC is a grid, but getting your bearings while taking everything in is a bit difficult. It took a lot of trial and error to get going in the right direction and all I wanted was to find my hotel a couple of blocks away. I knew it was near Macy’s, but with Macy’s being the size of several football fields, that wasn’t exactly helpful. I did eventually find the hotel but if I’d had this map, I would have been there in minutes rather than a half hour later. I had a normal map on hand but when you don’t know exactly where you are, it is hard to know what direction to go in. Next time I am in New York, I plan to try out this new map, which will be even easier now that they have launched a mobile app for my smartphone. Best of all, before I go, I can locate all my favorite spots via their logos and bookmark the Crumbs Bake Shop – best cupcakes ever. That was one of my best finds while wandering aimlessly around New York in search of my hotel!

I think this a great new idea and can’t wait to see what locations they transform into visual masterpieces next.

~ Bethany Howell, art director

Comments

comments

About the Author

Leave a Reply