Final answer:
The primary disadvantage of the geographic filing system is that it requires familiarity with the system's geographic framework and the area in question, which can lead to inefficiencies for those who lack this specific knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary disadvantage of the geographic filing system is indeed that it requires a degree of familiarity with the location or area in question. Geographic filing systems are used to organize and retrieve documents based on location, which can encompass physical addresses, regions, or other spatial designations. The need for familiarity arises because the efficiency of using such a system is contingent upon the user's knowledge of the geographic framework and attributes within the system.
For instance, within the U.S., addresses are used not just for everyday purposes such as mailing but also deeply integrated into the system of locating and organizing information. Such a system presupposes that users understand the logic behind address sequences, state and county divisions, and other location-related nuances. This can pose challenges for individuals unfamiliar with the system, such as non-local employees or international businesses, potentially leading to inefficiencies in information retrieval. The reliance on geographic knowledge further limits the usefulness of the system when dealing with regions or locations that have different addressing schemas, such as Japan's unique address system, which differs significantly from the U.S. model.