COMMUTERS on Shanghai’s vast underground network are in for an easier ride thanks to the efforts of a Southampton mapping company.

Following in the footsteps of Harry Beck, designer of the iconic London Tube map, digital map designers Communicarta have revolutionised navigating the world’s longest metro network by creating a mobile phone application.

The firm’s mobile map design, pictured, helps the 3.5 million daily passengers find their way around 268 stations and more than 260 miles of tracks beneath China’s biggest city.

Communicarta has teamed up with China’s oldest and most prestigious publishing house, The Commercial Press, in Beijing, to produce mobile applications (apps) for the Shanghai Metro.

Robin Woods, Communicarta’s CEO, said: “We have completely redesigned the Shanghai Metro map, with support from the Government via UK Trade & Investment.

“Our philosophy is about presenting our maps in a way that is clear and easy to follow. And now, with Communicarta’s Shanghai Metro apps available on iTunes, Nokia Ovistore and Blackberry Appworld, visitors to Shanghai are in for a real treat. This is instant and effortless journey planning on a brand new level.”

More than 20 years of research by Communicarta revealed many of the official maps of transport systems in major cities are either inaccurate, out of date or difficult to use.

Now, with export trade advice from UKTI South East, the firm is building an international business with its precise, customised city transport maps and apps.

Until last year, printed maps were the firm’s staple. The move into digital apps followed an approach in March 2009 from Nintendo for an app for its DSi device. Collaboration with Nintendo’s technical developers in Kyoto, Japan, resulted in the creation and licensing of nine city transport map apps to the video/computer games giant.

Robin said: “The future is really exciting for our business in China. We plan to develop digital maps for Beijing, Hong Kong and many other cities, in collaboration with CP. We are also looking to use our developing expertise to help Commercial Press create many interesting and educational apps in the future.”