Tube style walking maps connecting parks & open spaces
Greenground Map project aims to reimagine cities through green & blue infrastructure, creating macro scale walking maps to encourage walking & cycling along green spaces, rivers and canals. The project first started in the spring of 2019 when graphic designer Helen Ilus proposed an idea to connect parks in a tube-style walking map. The idea was well-received and the first maps were collaborative, with people suggesting parks and open spaces.
Since then, Helen has worked with charities and councils on several commissioned maps and keeps creating her independent maps. Her maps have been viewed and downloaded by more than 100,000 people and have received positive reviews by public and specialists alike.
Her maps have been featured widely in media and are currently sold in independent bookshops in UK.
Endorsements
Helen Ilus put a new twist on London mapping with her delightful “GreengroundMap”, a map of London’s green spaces and how best to navigate between them done in the style of the tube map. – Steven Feldman, GeoMob Podcast
We’ve been a bit slow to get our hands on a copy of @HelenIlus London Greenground Map but oh, isn’t it wonderful. What a delight! – London Ramblers on TwitterI nabbed one of these for my father in law’s birthday last year – it’s totally changed how he sees his home territory of London. Really wonderful work by Helen.
– Electra Rhodes, Writer
Media & Podcasts
‘Tube map for walkers’ links London’s green spaces – Positive NewsThis map shows walking routes between London’s parks and nature spots – TimeOut
The Greenground: The ‘Walker’s Tube Map’ Has Flourished Into Something Beautiful – Londonist
Coffee & Geography S02E07 Helen Ilus – Geogramblings
39. Helen Ilus: GreengroundMap – Geomob Podcast