Animated History of Calgary's LRT Network

This is intended either to be a standalone short or to be used as b-roll for something else related to CTrain expansions, Calgary’s history, etc.

I’ve been working on this animation in After Effects for a while, although it needs to be properly scaled to the size of the screen and there are some tiny details which need to be ironed out.

Otherwise, let me know what y’all think! Here’s a link to a draft:
https://youtube.com/shorts/dfZIAxL6ncY?feature=share

3 Likes

This looks awesome! I would maybe add a Legend for what the different line widths and shades mean :slight_smile:

1 Like

Love it! Still of the opinion that the base map layer needs a switch out. Dig how “proposed” but not under construction is conveyed.

1 Like

Something like this maybe?

I do like the colour palette on it, and the metro-ificiation of the water systems - just wish the road and parks system was following a similar design language. Looks like it was quickie png to svg conversion.

1 Like


1 Like

I would love to switch out the basemap – however, given that the current basemap is simplified and metro-ified, this will be a pretty big task.
It does give me the idea of creating an Unsprawling basemap :eyes:

1 Like

This was the tool I used :eyes:. Higher rez customizable maps seem harder to come by

1 Like

Ooh, I’ll check it out.
If need be, I have ArcGIS skills and can create a basemap there - although I’m not sure how open-source and accessible that would be. I’ll check this out!

1 Like

Actually Jake, do you have a link to the raw map that you made there, rather than just a png?

edit: nevermind, I just realized that that was the link that you sent

You do have to play around with the settings a bit to get it to look like that. Like removing roads except for highways and removing rail lines I think

1 Like


Here is roughly what I have so far, then.

2 Likes

Oh shit??? The geographically-accurate version?

That’s super sweet thanks for your time putting together these resources.

1 Like

That looks so awesome :eyes: good job!!

1 Like

Thank you!
When I get the time, I’ll animate it. Luckily now I know what to do so it won’t take too long : P

2 Likes

You’re officially Unsprawling’s most accomplished animator for the time being

1 Like

LFGG
(i shall teach you all someday)

1 Like

Update!!
I’ve started an animation using the new map.
Currently, the animation does not include stations, nor the new AECOM alignment, but in due time it will.

This looks great! I love the new basemap.

Would it be possible to make the “planned” line type dashed? I would slow the animation on them down a little bit as well.

The text at the top should be centre-justified, and inside a little bubble as well. Remember to use 1c1f28 instead of Black!

I made a mockup for a little year slider animation, disregard the slide unless it sounds like fun to try it lmao.