Numbers for spot elevations that have not been accurately surveyed are printed in which color?

• A. Black
• B. Brown
• C. Blue
• D. Green

Answer: (B)

Color coding on maps and drawings signals how reliable a spot elevation is. When a spot elevation hasn’t been accurately surveyed, it’s shown in brown to warn that the value is approximate and should be verified in the field. This helps distinguish uncertain elevations from those that have been checked (often shown in black) and from other features like water (blue) or vegetation (green). So brown is the color used for not-yet-fully-verified elevations. If you come across a brown spot elevation, treat it as tentative and look for a confirmed value if precision is critical.