Final answer:
A sense of place and location identity are shaped by physical characteristics such as the environment and built structures, alongside human characteristics involving cultural, social, and economic activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two characteristics that create a sense of place and identity of a location are its physical and human attributes. Physical attributes include the natural environment and the built environment, which give a place its unique natural landscapes and man-made structures. Human attributes, on the other hand, encompass the social, cultural, economic, and political activities and structures that define how people interact with each other and the physical space.
For example, when considering a city like New York, we might think of its iconic skyline (a physical attribute) and its vibrant mix of cultures and bustling economic activity (human attributes). Both aspects contribute to New York's strong sense of place and distinct identity. Similarly, terms like "small towns" or "the suburbs" evoke imagery and associations that reflect their collective human and physical characteristics shaped by factors such as ethnicity, settlement patterns, and economic activities.