What is indicated by the color red-brown on a military map?

The color red-brown on a military map is used to represent cultural features and non-surveyed elevation. It typically indicates areas such as built-up land, contours, and other significant features that have been artificially modified or developed by human activity. This color helps map readers identify man-made structures and topographical changes resulting from cultural use, which can include roads, boundaries, and urban areas.

In contrast, vegetation is usually depicted in green, while water features such as rivers and lakes are shown in blue. Non-surveyed elevation may not be indicated by red-brown in standard topographic symbols, as this detail is often shown through uniform contour lines. Understanding these color codes is essential for interpreting military maps effectively and for operational planning.