What do the numbers on the map indicate?
'Indicano' — in-DI-ca-no. Stress on the second syllable; hard 'c' before 'a'.
Ask when you see numbered markers on a tourist or hiking map and are not sure what they represent. Numbers usually correspond to a legend or a list of points of interest.
'Indicano' is the third person plural of 'indicare' (to indicate). 'I numeri sulla mappa' (the numbers on the map) — 'sulla' is 'su + la'. This is an open question about map interpretation — useful when the legend is in Italian and you need help reading it.
Dove è la legenda?
Where is the legend?
Ask for the map key that explains the symbols.
Il numero tre corrisponde a cosa?
What does number three correspond to?
Ask about a specific numbered point.
I numeri sono in ordine di importanza?
Are the numbers in order of importance?
Tourist map numbers are usually in suggested visit order.
Italian tourist city maps typically number attractions in a suggested itinerary order — starting from the main landmark and radiating outward. Following the numbered sequence is usually the most efficient walking tour. Some maps include suggested time estimates per stop.