Final answer:
Spatial interaction is the term referring to the reduction of friction of distance through lowered costs or increased ease of flow, essential in geographic studies for understanding how interactions and diffusion occur over distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spatial interaction is the term used to describe when the friction of distance is reduced by lowered costs or increased ease of flow. This concept is an essential element of geographic study, particularly when analyzing how ideas, goods, and people move across space. The idea is that as travel and communication become easier or less expensive, the impact of physical distance on the relationships between places decreases. For example, if transportation costs drop or technological advancements occur, people are more likely to interact and exchange goods over greater distances. This phenomenon affects various patterns, including core-periphery models and the overall diffusion of ideas and innovations across space.
Another related concept in this context is distance decay, which refers to the diminishing intensity or frequency of a certain activity or interaction as it moves away from its point of origin. Distance decay is often seen alongside spatial interaction, where the two concepts interact to shape the dynamics of geographical patterns in different regions.
In sum, spatial interaction helps us understand the interconnectedness of places and how the reduction of distance as a barrier facilitates greater exchange and connectivity across the globe, which in turn may have other implications for cultural, economic, and social phenomena.