TfL forced to reveal secret geographically accurate London Tube and rail map

Accurate map of London Underground and other rail lines (TfL/What Do They Know)

A secret London Underground map that accurately depicts the distances and locations of stations in and around the capital has been revealed by transport bosses.

Transport for London (TfL) had kept the map under wraps until being forced to unveil it following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

With its sprawling mass of wobbly lines, the previously unseen map is a vastly different from the grid of neat routes set out in the traditional tube map. It also shows the Docklands Light Railway and National Rail routes.

In August 2014, James Burbage asked TfL to “supply a geographically accurate map of all the stations, platforms, lines and tracks that form the London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and National Rail service”.

He added that information which could pose health and safety concerns should be omiited.

Mr Burbage's request was answered a month later. "I can confirm we hold the information you require," Jasmine Howard, a FOI case officer, said in the letter.

The full map and FOI can now be viewed on the whatdotheyknow.com website.

Part of central London depicted on the geographically accurate map (TfL)

(TfL)

The new map, which was last updated in May 2014, covers urban areas on the outskirts of London such as Slough, Enfield, Sutton and Essex.

The dotted lines show where new services will be placed.

The original Tube map was created by Harry Beck in 1933. Although it was initially considered too radical, it is now seen as an iconic design.

The original Tube map (TfL)