Mapping Metra (Detail - Zone D)

Traditional mapping is acquisition of data relating to coordinates directly from a site-­‐specific location. This project utilizes mapping in contemporary ways; mapping memory. Metra commuters were asked to fill out the following questionnaire about their travels on the Metra.

The mapping patterns are not necessarily linked to the Metra route but to the participants’ recollection of the Metra route. Additionally, participants were asked to personalize their Metra tickets, representing their personal story within the piece.

Each printed block represents a city on Metra’s Union Pacific West Line. The color of the block correlates to the color of the city’s zone, as seen on the train tickets. The size of each block is linked to the amount of Metra commuter trains that connect to the city’s station. Each connecting train is represented by 1 square inch in each piece.