Which color on a topographic map represents water?

On a topographic map, the color blue is universally recognized as representing water features, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. This standard color-coding helps map users quickly identify bodies of water, which is essential for navigation, planning, and understanding the geography of an area. The distinction is important because, in practical scenarios such as outdoors exploration or resource management, recognizing where water sources are located can significantly impact decisions and safety.

Other colors used on topographic maps serve different purposes; green typically indicates vegetation or wooded areas, brown typically depicts elevation contours and land forms, and black is often used for man-made structures and roads. This color convention is foundational knowledge for anyone working with or interpreting topographic maps, making the identification of water features straightforward and efficient.