Which features are depicted in red on most military maps?

• A. Elevation contours
• B. Forest
• C. Water
• D. Main roads, built-up areas, and special features

Answer: (D)

Red on most military maps is used to highlight human-made features, such as main roads, built-up areas, and special features. This color choice makes critical infrastructure stand out quickly against the surrounding terrain, which is essential for fast navigation, route planning, and assessing potential threats or obstacles. Elevation contours are shown in brown, forests in green, and water in blue, so red reliably identifies elements that are man-made rather than natural. This visual contrast helps soldiers discern where roads and towns are, and where other important features lie, at a glance.