Mapping
RTA Finder Maps
Client
Roads and Transport Authority
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Language
Arabic / English
Format
Services
Editing | Translation & Localisation | Proofreading | Creative Concepts | Graphic Design & Layout | Ground Survey | Digitisation | POI Collection & Categorisation | Map Design | Cartography
Creative Approach
The most important question to consider when creating a pedestrian wayfinding map is whether it is easy to understand. It can be beautifully designed, like a work of art, but if users cannot easily find their destination or figure out how to get there from their current location, then the map is useless. Using RTA’s branding guidelines as a starting point, Explorer’s design and cartography teams developed a dual-language finder map style that was both attractive and incredibly useful. We determined the perfect level of detail to include so that pedestrians feel orientated within the space without any excess clutter.
Editorial Strategy
Developing guidelines for what to highlight and how is essential to effective mapping. Explorer’s editorial and research team worked closely with our cartographers to devise clear guidelines governing what types of establishments should be highlighted as landmarks on RTA’s finder maps and what level of identification each should receive – text label, coloured shading, pictogram, 3D icon, or some combination of the above – based on its industry type, size, visibility at street level and prominence in the community, as well as other factors. The categorisation process was managed using our proprietary content management system, EMS, ensuring a streamlined workflow and accuracy of the data.
