WHat is the difference between an iconic and symbolic representation?

WHat is the difference between an iconic and symbolic representation?

An iconic representation is elaborated from images or other visuals to represent a concrete situation. It uses images and spatial schemas more or less complex to represent the environment. A symbolic representation, however, is more abstract; the images are represented using words and symbols which have nothing to do physically with what they represent.

The iconic representation is based on image; it involves images or other visuals to represent some objects or actions. It can be done by simply drawing something or imagining it, but also by using shapes, diagrams and graphs.

The symbolic representation is based on language; it's done by taking images from the iconic representation and show them by using words and symbols. Those symbols don't necessary have to be directly connected with the information. For example,a number can be a symbol used to describe how many of something there are. Symbolic signs are usually harder to read, because it requires us to know for example the language (English) or a notes (to read a piece of music composition).