1998 Subway Map
The Recreation Process
Embedded Files
NEW RELEASE: R110B Pin Designs (Batch 2)
For some time, I've been scouring the Web for a digital version of the January 1998 Subway Map. This edition is significant because it marked the official debut of "The Map", finally combining all MTA rapid transit and commuter rail services into one map.
I did find a link to a PDF, but unfortunately for me the link was outdated and did not work. It was at that point where I decided to take this matter into my own hands.
Using a reference map on the Internet as well as a physical copy that I own (both of which are re-issued versions which slightly differ), I began the daunting task of converting an existing map (in this case, a May 2003 Subway Map) into a January 1998 map.
This page contains photos taken during the development process
Software used: Adobe Illustrator
Helpful resources:
How it all began.
The will and momentum to finally make a replica of the January 1998 edition finally materialized.
The basis? A May 2003 Subway Map.
The original 1998 base map, although heavily modified, existed in a state that made reverting it to it's original appearance was straightforward.
Rising from the Dead
Among some of the first changes done to the map besides replacing multiple fonts was the gradual return of old service patterns.
Layering Woes
I started grouping objects and paths together to not only make my workflow more efficient, but to also give my computer a break from having everything unorganized.
Back from the Dead, Part II
Cleanup on the map progressed.
All Cleaned Up!
Now that the layers have been organized, the fun can begin!
Running It Back
I started off with the lines that were easy to change back. Here, the BMT South was reverted to it's 1998 service patterns.
Up and Over
Next, I reverted the Manhattan Bridge and Sixth Avenue to it's appearance in 1998.
Walk the Walk
An anomaly of the 1998 maps was brought back: the white lines within the transfer lines at 14 St, Roosevelt Av, and the Atlantic Av Complex.
Mayhem in Midtown
This was a moment that I was eagerly anticipating for: the return of the 63rd St Shuttle.
Progress Check!
At this point, Midtown and Lower Manhattan have had most of their design elements and service patterns reverted to their 1998 appearances. There's still a lot of detail work to take care of.
The B and the C
Another thing I was eager for was this: the undoing of the B and C terminal swap, which was done in March of 1998.
Quick Work on the Queens Corridor?
I then turned my attention to Queens, where the entire Queens Blvd Line was in for major changes. This was among the more difficult tasks, since the V's debut in 2001 erased most of the original 1998 lines and placements from the map.
A Straight Leg.
Believe it or not, the first few editions of The Map featured a straight-legged Far Rockaway branch. So, I had to replicate it too.
Progress Check II
With most of the changes underway, it was a good time to see how the overall map looked so far.
I couldn't get enough of this.
As you can see I am a 63rd St Shuttle foamer. :P
Transfer Boxes
Work was also underway to correct the station transfer boxes with the correct routes and connections.
Shuffle, Shuffle, Shuffle
I would find myself shuffling and correcting the transfer boxes scattered across the map for the next few days.
Double Daggers
The MTA used their own in-house fonts for all of their subway bullets.
I came along, ripped them, and used them in a new font.
Six Degree Agony.
Between 1998 and 2003, the MTA has moved and rotated the entire borough of Staten Island to fit service notices and other important things. This was perhaps the most annoying reversion I had to make.
Off-Color!
Another one of those inexplicable goofs. For some reason, these two A bullets were printed in a lighter color than the other A bullets, and this lasted for a few editions too!
Subway Service Guide Shenanigans
Once I was satisfied with how the rest of the map looked (and after I had gone through and did some detail work), I began to work on the last major component of the map.
Primary, Special Night, Special Weekend
I began to fill out the service guide using both a printed map and a scanned map copy as references. The end result was very rewarding.
Simple Design
After stripping away all of the text and other features, the map is really a clean and simple design.
About The Map
Because I was modeling what the print version of the January 1998 Subway Map would look like, I also added the map description to the top of the map.
You've reached the end of the page! This project is still ongoing and new things are being done, so sit tight! The documentation of the project continues!
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