it depends on what screen your looking at, i'm assuming your talking about the map screen. In which case it shows main roads (M's, A's, ), train lines, bodies of water, place names and all entered waypoints and locations points. If i'm riding an unfamiliar route, I'll enter the waypoints and other points of interest (summits, bothy's, escape routes etc) in GPSU or The Hug before uploading them to the gps unit.
When following a route the map shows, amongst other info, the bearing to the next waypoint. Upon reaching a waypoint (assuming your following a preset route) the gps immediately sets you off on your next bearing.
Having said all that I've usually familiarised myself with an area and do carry a map when riding somewhere new, the gps is usually for confirmation, motivation and route logging.