There are several specific symbols that indicate various recreational areas and facilities. A city or state recreational park is shown by a small tree symbol. A small table indicates that there is a picnic area or rest area. These can be found in state forests, or sometimes along freeways. A bicycle symbol means that the area includes a bike trail. To find a sports facility, look for a symbol such as a baseball, basketball, or football. A small circle and flag marks the spot for a golf course, a man on skis for skiing, a fish for fishing, and a tent for campgrounds.
Many road maps also include special symbols that indicate the area attractions to help find things to do in the area you are visiting. When looking for a restaurant or somewhere to eat, look for a symbol with a fork and a knife together in a circle. The local zoo is often shown on the map as an animal such as a lion, zebra, or panda bear, or simply a paw print. When trying to find a museum, look for a small Greek style building with pillars. When looking for shopping in the area, look for a small shopping bag or gift bag symbol. A symbol resembling a castle building with a flag on top of it indicates a theme park.
There are plenty of roads and mass transit symbols that you should look for. A dotted line indicates that the road is not finished or is under construction. If your map is more than two years old, these roads may already be completed. Also look for a thick blue line for an interstate freeway, a red line for a U.S. highway, and an orange line for a state highway. When trying to find other types of transportation, look for a boat symbol for a ferry, an anchor for a marina, and an airplane for an airport. Also look for the letter "P" in a box. This symbol indicates parking facilities.
There are several civic buildings symbols that can be found on many road maps. A cross in a circle means that there is a hospital, clinic or other medical building, important important to know how to find when there is an emergency. When you are trying to look for an information building, like a tourist center, look on the map for a small "i" or "?" in a circle. A university is indicated by a cap with a tassle, and a school is represented by a small triangular school house building with a flag on top.
