Physical Environment
Urban terrain changes and is re-designable. Identifying buildings knowing only their outward appearance poses problems when buildings are disfigured. Not only is it more difficult to identify structures, but the physical terrain changes as well.
Urban settings are vertical multi-tiered environments. Not only must the warfighter look laterally; but high stories, rooftops, and basements are effective cover for snipers and other attackers.
Operations can be channeled along narrow lanes due to limited fields of view, limited fields of fire, and constricted avenues of approach. This can restrict movement in unexpected ways and provides advantages if exploited.
Resource management is difficult in complex terrain. Supplies such as ammunition, fuel, and food are difficult to resupply, and there is greater risk to soldiers if this falls short.
