In other words, not the same thing.

Well, what non-identical thing would qualify (in this context) as "the
same thing"?

A blue airport symbol indicates an airport with a control tower, a magenta
airport symbol indicates an airport without a control tower.

Got that. Does a control tower always mean class D (or better)? Does
class D always mean a control tower?

What would be the purpose of Special VFR above the ceiling of a surface
area?

The same as the purpose of SVFR in a surface area. One reason would be
to find VFR above a broken layer. It would of course require positive
control of the airspace, which is probably not available above the D.

Is the D equivalent to a "surface area"?

Jose
--
The monkey turns the crank and thinks he's making the music.
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