Lecture 3

Question 1

describe location and it can be ….

Answer 1

where something happens / is situated

can be …
- nominal = used in everyday speech

• absolute = mathematically fixed (coordinates)
• relative = defined in terms of site/ situation

site is physical characteristics
ex. terrain, soil
situation is relative to other places/ people
ex. closeness to key routes

• cognitive = mental images people hold / based on knowledge & experiences (fluid)

Question 2

describe distance and it can be ….

Answer 2

amount of space between two things

• absolute = exact physical measure
• relative = measured in terms of time/ effort/ cost
• cognitive = distance people perceive to exist ( based on judgement)

Question 3

describe space and it can be ….

Answer 3

3D continuum within which all things exist & move

can be …..
- absolute = exact/ mathematical (points, lines, areas)

• relative = socioeconomic, global economics (GDP)
• cognitive = people’s values/ feelings / beliefs about places

Question 4

describe accessibility

Answer 4

opportunity for contact or interaction from a given point or location in relation to other locations

• distance is an important aspect
• connectivity is important

= a function of distance + networks of communication/transportation!

Question 5

describe spatial interaction and 4 basic concepts

Answer 5

= all forms of movement & flows involving human activity

• complementarity = supply + demand
• transferability = function of cost to move and ability to bear costs
• intervening opportunities = alternative origins
• spatial diffusion = way things spread through space and over time