scope:

Introduction

The London Underground sign system has been conceived on evolutionary principles as a natural consequence to the existing signs.

It should be noted that the directionfinding system is no different in principle from that established previously and that. apart from some differences in appearance, it is entirely compatible with existing signs.

Within the sign system, there are three main groups of signs - external signs, directional signs and platform signs. To an extent. they are separate and are subject to different planning, construction and installation criteria. However. together they form an integrated system for identification of stations and directing passengers within the system.

The manual deals with these three groups of signs separately. Guidance is also given on positioning of signs and each section concludes with signing guidelines which are intended to assist with some commonlyfound situations. On a system so varied as the Underground it is often not possible to lay down hard and fast rules, particularly with regard to positioning of signs, so it is hoped that these examples will convey how the essence of the system can be applied in most circumstances.

Preceding the descriptions of the three signing groups in the manual is a section dealing with basic elements which occur throughout the system - the roundel. house and line colours and the New Johnston typeface. These are the building blocks of the Underground's corporate identity, of which the sign system forms a major expression