Which color on a map typically indicates water?

The color blue on a map is universally recognized for representing water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. This standard practice helps map readers quickly identify aquatic features, which is especially useful in navigation and planning. The use of blue provides a clear and intuitive visual cue that distinguishes water from land features, making it an essential tool for anyone interpreting a map.

While black is commonly used for man-made structures, green typically represents vegetation or forested areas, and brown is often used to indicate elevation changes or contour lines of landforms. This color coding is part of the conventions in cartography, ensuring that individuals can effectively read and understand maps with minimal confusion.