This guide investigates how to effectively navigate the sprawling urban landscape of Los Angeles by categorizing its diverse cultural and commercial offerings. Richard Saul Wurman, an architect and information designer, utilizes his signature Access design methodology to organize complex city data into a readable, visually intuitive format. The book argues that understanding a city requires a structured spatial approach that prioritizes user experience and accessibility over traditional narrative travel writing.

Experts frequently cite this work as a benchmark for functional information design in the travel industry. Readers often note the clarity of the layout, which allows for rapid retrieval of specific location data while navigating the city.