Featured graphic. Lives on the line: mapping life expectancy along the London Tube network

摘要

In contrast to many cities, the richest and poorest people in London live side by side. Whilst this geographic proximity creates a vibrant city and diverse urban landscape, it has done little to reduce the growing disparities in Londoners' wealth and well-being (Dorling, 2012). Maps provide an important tool for highlighting social inequalities and there are many examples from London, not least the iconic works of John Snow and Charles Booth, that harness the power of maps to help improve people's lives. The map presented here (see life.mappinglondon.co.uk for-full size version) seeks both to raise awareness and to increase the impact of demographic statistics by relating them to an essential part of London: the Tube map.