One of the most common questions people have is, "What does/did that person, place, or thing look like?" If they want to know whether he is tall, she is old, or it is shiny, then they want to know about characteristics, not facts. But if they simply want to know which face or shape to identify with which person, place, thing, or event, then they are asking for a visual fact.
Examples: When was the Spanish American war? Who was US first lady in 1983? Where is Fort Ross?