How many basic colors are used on a military map?

Military maps typically utilize five basic colors to represent different terrain and features, ensuring clarity and ease of interpretation. These colors are standardized to convey information effectively:

1. Black is used for man-made features such as buildings, roads, and boundaries.
2. Brown represents contour lines and elevation changes, providing vital information about the terrain's relief.
3. Green indicates vegetation such as forests, orchards, and areas of wooded terrain.
4. Blue symbolizes water features, including rivers, lakes, and streams.
5. Red is used for highlighting important features like roads and areas of military significance or sometimes for administrative boundaries.

By incorporating these five colors, military maps can communicate a vast amount of information at a glance, enabling troops to make informed decisions based on terrain, water sources, and man-made structures they may encounter. This systematic use of color is critical for effective navigation and operational planning on the battlefield.