What color on a map typically indicates water?

On a map, the color blue is universally recognized as indicating water features such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water. This convention helps users easily distinguish aquatic areas from land features, which are typically represented using other colors. For example, land might be shown in green for vegetation or brown for elevation. The use of blue for water is based on a long-standing tradition in cartography, making it intuitive for map users to identify where water can be found at a glance. This standardization across various types of maps, including topographic and thematic maps, enhances navigational efficiency and clarity in understanding geographical layouts.