What does the color black represent on a map?

The color black on a map typically represents man-made features. This includes elements such as roads, buildings, boundaries, railways, and other human-constructed landmarks. By using black to denote these features, mapmakers provide a clear visual distinction between natural elements, represented by different colors, and those created by human activity.

Understanding that man-made features are essential for navigation and planning is crucial in map reading and interpretation. They help users identify urban areas, infrastructure, and other significant developments that can influence travel and logistics.

In contrast, other colors on maps serve different purposes: for instance, blue often designates water features, green typically signifies vegetation or forests, and different hues may indicate specific cultural landmarks or historical significance, but these do not pertain to the use of black, which focuses solely on human-made elements.