What color represents man-made features on a map?

The choice identifying black as the color that represents man-made features on a map is accurate because, in cartography, black is conventionally used for a variety of human-made elements including roads, buildings, and fences. This allows for easy identification and differentiation of these features in contrast to natural elements that may be depicted in other colors.

For instance, blue typically represents water bodies, while brown is often used for relief features such as contour lines indicating elevation. Red is commonly associated with significant man-made features or key roadways but is not as broadly applied as black, which has a more extensive use in denoting various types of infrastructure on topographic and other thematic maps.

By adhering to these color conventions, mapmakers facilitate clearer communication of spatial information, allowing users to quickly interpret the landscape and navigate effectively.