The Map switch

City living in New York or London, both offer some of the best in points of interest, cultural diversity, restaurants and entertainment. Being a native of New Yorker and a visitor to London, and often lost in finding my destination, I realize the significant role a map can play in ones life. I have also found myself trying to assimilate (absorb into the system/comprehend) myself to my new surroundings, I often compare the two cities. It is crucial in both cities that you understand how to use public transportation; In New York, the Subway, in London the Underground.
My project gives an idea of how I relate New York to London. First, I have identified areas of London and compare them to neighborhoods back home. This is based on the personality of the neighborhood and or the demographics. Second, I chose to illustrate the similarities by using London stops as they relate to New York destinations. This gives a person from London an idea of what to expect if they were to visit New York City. Even though geographically the layout may differ, this is how I relate parts of a foreign city to what I am familiar with back home.

The Process
Based on the outline above, my first step in research was to travel to each underground stop throughout London (there were roughly 4-5 stops that I either could not relate to New York or felt redundant in comparison). I traveled to each stop or in many cases walked the path that came close to the underground path. I studied the neighborhoods and compared the following points within each destination.
- Landmarks
- Architecture and housing
- Attributes of population
These three points led me to a perception of the neighborhood. I did not go much further in research other than immediate relation to New York. Though this may not be accurate in some cases, in general my comparison gives you a snap shot of what to expect if you were to be visiting New York for the first time. I have used my comparisons on fellow students and visitors from the states and it has proven to be helpful, feedback being:
- Quick decision making in planning the day.
- Where to find points of interest
- Expedite shopping plans
Though my descriptions in the way of demographics is loose, overall first impression and comparison in points of interest seems to be easy to understand for New Yorkers. My hope is that my map would be insightful to visitors from London visiting New York. I realize when traveling, being efficient and ease of navigation is a luxury, what I hope is that my descriptions and comparisons will help one assimilate to foreign surroundings.