HOW I DO IT?
Take my mapping progress of Tokyo Metro for example
1.
The first step is to acquire a metro map, and start to mark all the transferring stations, as these station structures tend to be more complicated in terms of layout, hence require extra wayfinding attention.
Once all the potential stations are being identified, the mapping work can begin, and the progress shall continue station by station!
A sketch by me determining the spacing for the 3D model
3.
Finally comes the modeling part. With some fast sketches determining the planar form and the verticle spacing for this particular model. This is the most important part of the mapping proccess, for one need to translate the real-world dimensions into a new not-in-scale spatial representation. the planar distance is usually shrinked in order to accommodate the whole structure onto a limited canvas; while the vertical height and slope are usually exaggerated in order to stretch out the stacked layers, and allow more things underneath to be seen.
2.
Say it’s Kita Senju Station’s(北千住駅) turn, the first thing is to gather as much information as possible: rudimental info such as the different lines and operators, the platform type and layout, the intersecting angles and different elevations of the interconnecting structures. These basic info help me get an idea of the macro perimeter of the station complex.
Further details like the territory of paid area(within ticketing gates/turnstiles) and unpaid area(outside ticketing gates/turnstiles, where the public can reach without paying any fare), the width of different platforms and corridors, the placement of verticle circulations, etc.
Images like the official/non-official guide maps can usually be found online. These illustrations often come in a distinct 3D, cut-away style presentation, for it showcase clamped and complex space best. Other interesting materials like POV transferring video recordings(yes, this is quite a popular content among railway and station enthusiasts), and sometimes advertisement rental layout map can also help me understand the interior space better.
A screenshot timelapse of my modeling process, the station being mapped here is Kita Senju Station in Tokyo
The final mapped 3D model of Kita Senju Station in Tokyo