Final answer:
The 'places and regions' element is used by geographers to study the similarities between two places, focusing on characteristics like government, language, and landform to understand spatial relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
A geographer who studies the similarities between two places most often uses the places and regions element of geography. This element allows geographers to examine and analyze the spatial relationships and characteristics that define different areas of the earth. Regions in geography are units of space characterized by features such as common government, language, political situation, or landform. Geographers use the concept of regions to compare one area with another to understand trends, identify patterns, or explain phenomena.
Considering different types of regional definitions, such as formal, functional, and vernacular boundaries, is essential for this kind of analysis. Additionally, an understanding of both physical and human geography contributes to identifying and comparing regional similarities. Tools such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning System), and remote sensing are valuable for studying the spatial aspects of physical and human landscapes in detail.