Which color represents water on a standard map?

• A. Green
• B. Black
• C. Blue
• D. Brown

Answer: (C)

Blue represents water on standard maps. This convention uses color to separate different feature types at a glance: water bodies are shown in blue to contrast with land areas, which are typically green for vegetation or brown for elevation and terrain. Black is usually reserved for text, labels, and boundaries. The blue color taps into a common association with water and provides clear, quick recognition of oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes across different map styles.