London's new underground map

Thought was an interesting case in point that the London Underground Map was redesigned to reduce clutter due to the expansion of the network and to convey as much information to passengers as possible within a limited space. However, it soon became clear that the famous schematic offers more than directional information, with the removal of visual cues like the stylised River Thames and journey pricing by 'zones'. The river has now been reinstated by order of London's Mayor Boris Johnson, although I wonder if this was based more on city pride than on the efficiency to navigate the map quickly and easily? I never really noticed the river being on the map but if I was a tourist would it help or hinder me?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8260943.stm