Final answer:
The term "spatial" in geography refers to anything related to the space on or near Earth's surface. It is fundamental in the study of geography, which includes the understanding of physical and human landscapes, as well as their spatial distribution and relations using tools like GIS and GPS.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Spatial in Geography?
In the context of geography, the term "spatial" is best defined as of or pertaining to space on or near Earth's surface. Geography is essentially the spatial study of the Earth, encompassing the analysis of landscapes, environments, and phenomena, as well as the relationships and processes that shape our world. The spatial nature of geography focuses on how different places or regions relate to one another and how they are organized in space.
Physical geography and human geography are the two main branches within the realm of geographical study, which both utilize a spatial perspective to explore natural and cultural phenomena respectively. Tools such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning Systems), and remote sensing are often employed by geographers to analyze the spatial distribution of various elements across the Earth's surface effectively.
From the categorization of regions through formal, functional, and vernacular boundaries to understanding the impact of geographical factors on climate, economics, and culture, spatial thinking enables geographers to grasp the complex interconnection of human and natural processes. The Earth’s graticule system of longitude and latitude, alongside the tilt of Earth's axis, influences foundational aspects such as seasons and time zones, further exhibiting spatiality in geography.