I found a nice easy way to make symbols is to use some of the specialized dingbat fonts that people have made for Truetype. You can convert them to a bitmap (and switch the color to white) and--voila. Instant symbols.
One fantastic source I've found is:
Tom Mouat's Map Symbols which has NATO symbols (older and new) and on the "Other Fonts" page has symbols for Nato Equipment, Soviet Equipment, WWII Tanks, WWII Soldiers, Modern Planes (top and side views); Modern ships (side views), even Star Wars Equipment.
The pictures (by line) are: Nato Kit; Soviet Kit; Planest; and WW2 Tanks. These are just a small sample of each font, most have 50 or more pictures.
He allows usage:
These fonts and sample files may be distributed by any means, provided that the following limitations are obeyed:
* No profit is made from the reproduction or distribution of these fonts and sample files. This includes using my fonts for advertising or commercial demonstration purposes - so if I turn up at a trade show like ITEC again and find someone demonstrating their product with my Map Symbols again, without giving me credit or paying me for them, I shall be very disappointed.
--Philistine
