Terrain features affect planning because they influence movement and visibility. Which statement is correct?

• A. They have no impact on movement or visibility.
• B. They only indicate elevation but not movement.
• C. They affect movement and visibility by providing vantage points, routes, and concealment.
• D. They are decorative and not used in planning.

Answer: (C)

Terrain features matter in planning because they shape how units move and how well they can see the area. Elevations like hills change lines of sight, giving observation points while also potentially blocking or complicating routes. Slopes, rough ground, and obstacles slow or force different paths, so movement isn’t just about distance but about what terrain can be traversed. Forests, rubble, or urban ripples provide concealment, which affects cover and safety, but they also slow progress and complicate detection. Open ground improves visibility but can expose units to enemy fire, while constricted routes such as passes or valleys can force bottlenecks. All of this means terrain features influence both movement and visibility, which is why the strongest statement is that they affect movement and visibility by providing vantage points, routes, and concealment.