Summary/Abstract The subject of terrain is covered exclusively in one of the thirteen chapters in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. In fact, terrain is addressed throughout The Art of War, so critical is positioning to tactical advantage and strategy. For example, the fourth chapter on “Tactical Dispositions” addresses positioning prior to Sun Tzu’s more formal “Classification of Terrain” in Chapter Ten. Whereas “Tactical Dispositions” covers defensive options, and relative positions vis-a-vis the enemy, “Terrain” demonstrates how variations in terrain impact strategy and outcome. Therefore, “Terrain” offers an unparalleled level of detail on the subject of geography that is of tremendous use to military strategists. Sun Tzu extends his discussion on the importance of terrain in Chapter Eleven of The Art of War, showing how terrain impacts the nine main possibilities for battleground formation and how to address challenges and crises by using skilful means.

Introduction: Why Terrain?

Even in an era of cyber, aviation, and space tactics in military activity, terrain remains important for all strategy and warfare. In fact, the principles embedded in Sun Tzu’s chapter on “Terrain” in The War of War can be easily extended to non-geographic zones, including the virtual or cyber terrain and the three-dimensional terrains of aerospace. Terrain governs human movement, and the movement of objects on the battlefield. The laws of physics impact the efficacy of terrain and its impact on battle action and outcomes, while overarching and intervening variables like weather and time may compound the complexities of each situation. A thorough understanding of the art of terrain, including the six types of ground and their relative strengths and weaknesses, promotes victory in military campaigns.

The Six Kinds of Terrain

Sun Tzu identifies six types of terrain relevant to military strategists. Those six types of terrain include accessible ground, entangling ground, temporizing ground, narrow passes, precipitous heights, and positions at a great distance from the enemy (Sun Tzu, n.d.). Each of these terrain types presents challenges or opportunities, and must be mastered and recognized for effective strategy and ideal outcomes. For example, accessible ground may seem advantageous but the enemy will also find it is easy to navigate and to seize. When working with accessible...

When the enemy can be caught unawares, using surprise or sabotage tactics, then it may be possible to take advantage fully of entangling ground. However, a risky surprise attack or one that was planned poorly and results in enemy defense could result in the inability to retreat. Using the most basic example, a valley could be considered an entangling ground because it may be easy to enter, but more difficult to abandon if the enemy should suddenly post sentinels or block passage uphill (“Chapter 10 - Terrain | The Art of War by Sun Tzu,” n.d.). Temporizing ground, on the other hand, is challenging to navigate for all parties. Whenever there is a terrain situation in which it would be risky to make the first move, it is considered temporizing ground (Sun Tzu, 2006). Western Front battles during World War One demonstrated both the importance of entangling and temporizing ground in the art of war, especially given the need to modify the terrain via the construction of tunnels and trenches (Doyle & Bennett, 1997). In fact, the concept of terrain must be unified with the strategic importance of technological advancements that allow troops to use the terrain differently, to their advantage in different situations.
Narrow passes are unique; Sun Tzu advises occupying them before the enemy can, making sure to “strongly garrison” them (Sun Tzu, 2006, p. 46). Using narrow passes in the art of war requires patience, though. If time is more important than taking advantage of the narrow pass, then it would be advised to allow the enemy to occupy them first. If that happens, Sun Tzu advises not following the enemy into the narrow pass but to retreat to the point where the enemy needs to leave and follow.

Precipitous heights have also become one of the most important terrain elements in securing military victories. World War One demonstrated the strategic advantage of heights, as “each side found to gain the strategic advantage provided by the high ground,” (Doyle & Bennett, 1997, p. 1). However, throughout history, sentinel points have been stationed on precipitous heights because of the strategic advantage of surveillance and prediction: being prepared. High ground confers…