How can terrain affect military tactics during a battle?

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tactics Sumerian phalanx, a block of foot soldiers depicted standing shield-to-shield, presenting spears, and advancing in a dense mass, detail from the Stele of the Vultures, limestone bas-relief, c. 2450 bce; in the Louvre Museum, Paris.

Terrain is a fundamental element of military tactics, as land warfare occurs on concrete landscapes rather than uniform surfaces. Success in battle often depends on a commander's ability to understand and exploit the physical environment, which includes roads, passages, elevated ground, cover, and various obstacles.1

Commanders utilize terrain to gain a decisive advantage through several methods:

Dominant Ground: Occupying high or strategic positions to control the battlefield.1
Cover and Concealment: Using the landscape to protect forces from enemy fire.1
Forced Engagement: Compelling the enemy to fight on terrain unsuited for their specific forces or equipment.1
Maneuver: Using the terrain to facilitate outflanking, surrounding, or cornering the opposing force.1

Because the outcome of a battle is frequently determined by the correct application of these topographical advantages, terrain remains a critical factor in both historical and modern warfare.1