Final answer:
Understanding geography, specifically landforms and bodies of water, can help a general strategize a battle by providing information about terrain and potential advantages or obstacles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding geography, specifically landforms and bodies of water, is useful to a general who is strategizing a battle because it provides crucial information about the terrain and potential obstacles or advantages it may offer. For example, mountains or rivers can act as natural barriers that can be used to protect or hinder an army's movement. A general who understands the geography of the area can plan their tactics accordingly, avoiding strong defensive positions of the enemy and exploiting weak spots. Additionally, knowing the geographical features can help a general predict how the enemy might navigate the terrain and devise counter-strategies.