Which symbol is used to represent an unimproved road (unsurfaced)?

• A. Double dash parallel lines
• B. Double parallel lines
• C. Single dash line
• D. Dashed-dotted line

Answer: (A)

On maps, the surface condition of a road is shown by how the line representing the road is drawn. Paved roads usually appear as solid lines, which signal a smooth, maintained surface. When a road isn’t surfaced, cartographers use a dashed pattern to indicate that the surface is loose or rough. Representing it with two parallel dashed lines shows the actual width of the road and marks its edges, while the dashes convey that the surface isn’t hard or continuous. This combination effectively communicates to the reader that you’re dealing with a real road, but one that is unimproved and likely rougher to travel on, rather than a fully paved street.