What is indicated by a blue color on a map?

In cartography, blue is universally used to represent water bodies on maps. This can include rivers, lakes, oceans, and other forms of water. This color coding helps users quickly identify and understand the geographical features related to water, which is crucial for various activities including navigation, environmental studies, and land use planning.

Other colors typically represent different features: green often denotes vegetation or forested areas, brown signifies contour lines or elevation details, and black is frequently used for man-made features like roads and buildings. The use of color in maps is designed to create an intuitive visual language, making it easier for the user to interpret the terrain and identify key features at a glance. Understanding these conventions is essential for effectively using maps in scouting and navigation.