Format is most practical! The map is a book: no unhandy folding of a big map, nice for walking around. The first page gives you an overview of the areas covered and the CORRESPONDING page numbers.
When you go to a page you want to place page numbers in the corners / borders did tell you where to continue.
Index in the back to find streets by name.
It includes symbols for stops of overground, underground and rail (but no bus). Other public places are so Indicated on the map (toilets, parking, theater ...)
The direction of one-way streets is included!
I bought one of the AA Maps for Manchester and found it to be of great use as I got one for London.
If I move within the UK, I will by one of the AA maps again.