- Previous ideas about the diversity of the geographic space
- What is geographic space?
- Elements
- characteristics
- The importance of geographic space
- References
The diversity of geographic space refers to the distinctive characteristics that define a particular place in geography. For example, the elements of the tundra, desert, forest or jungle are different.
To understand diversity in geographic space, you must first understand what space is in geography. In short, the geographical space in which people interact can be defined, which is why it is considered a social construction. The concept was debated by various scientists, but first it is necessary to clarify certain concepts.
To begin with, physical space is the place occupied by an object or person, while geography is dedicated to investigating ecology and how the societies that are located in that space function. In other words: geography studies the place where societies are located.
Previous ideas about the diversity of the geographic space
In Ancient Greece scientists already spoke of ecumene, the portion or place where a culture is located and which is always busy.
Somehow it has to do with human geography. The planet would become the "home" of human beings, so geography investigates the relationship between humans and the place where they live.
As the Greeks had a sedentary way of life, with a city and its sanctuaries, they began to study other organizations to know their way of inhabiting the world.
From there, the planet begins to be considered as a whole formed by ruptures, that is, with sites with different geographical characteristics. Until then, the Earth was considered a common space, without boundaries.
For this reason, other places, inhabited or not by people, that have different forms of habitat are beginning to be considered.
In this sense, cartography is responsible for delimiting the different areas. The idea of a common Earth is modified and gives rise to, among other things, the Kantian theory that says that being in the world is a way of behaving.
On the other hand, with the passage of time the notion of ecumene changes. When society begins to discover other places and is no longer isolated, the notion of a unique Earth returns.
In other words, the isolation of previous civilizations gives way to the principle of unity which in turn gives rise to what we know as geography.
To summarize, it can be said that geography is based on:
- Positioning: specific location of a given area through the use of coordinates.
- Nature and short-term change: implies the series of transformations that have occurred over time.
- Distribution: refers to the positioning of spaces with similar natural, social and economic characteristics and components.
- Relationship and interaction: establishes how the components of the geographic space are linked together and their degree of influence between them.
- Diversity: represents the heterogeneity of the composition, organization and dynamics between the different natural and economic elements.
What is geographic space?
The geographical space is the set of nature and artificial elements (everything that surrounds us). This can be the constant change that humans cause in the environment, for example, a neighborhood that humans build.
Elements
- Biotics: all things that live and are natural, for example the soil, the jungle, the fauna and the flora.
- Abiotic: all things that do not live but are natural, for example the mountain or the rock.
- Anthropic: the things that make up man, for example houses.
The geographic space can be perceived with the following characteristics:
- Simultaneously: it is a whole that can be moved anywhere and at any time.
- Unification: mass communication can connect each.
- Belonging: they are nationalisms and religionalism.
- Universal space: what can be known about each place in the world, that is, borders, occupations, etc.
Class of the geographic space according to the extension of the surface (from largest to smallest):
- Continent
- Region
- country
- state
- Cities
- Localities
- Neighborhoods
characteristics
- Located: can be located.
- Localized differences: has unique characteristics.
- Change: it has a historical development.
- Dynamism - can be used in various ways and for different people.
- Homogeneous: similar characteristics in the area.
The importance of geographic space
Although an explicit definition of "space" in geography has not yet been formulated, it is fundamental to geographic theory, methodology, and application.
The concept of "geographic space" is relational. It acquires meaning and sense only when it is related to other concepts. The concept of "space" can be conceived as a complement to things, that is to say, substantively conceived objects. The space conceived in this way is the synonym of emptiness.
The concept of "space" can also be conceived in relation to the elements of the individual landscape as its "environments." The space conceived in this way has the character of a force field.
Finally, space can also be conceived with respect to the totality of landscape elements, that is, the system expressed by the term "synergic." Only this third variant of space should be understood as "geographic space" in the full sense of the term.
References
- The geographic space. (sf). pps.k12.or.us.
- Analysis Of The Diversity Geographical Space. (sf). mysecundaria.com.
- Diversity of geographic space. (sf). sites.google.com/site/geograficoespacio.
- Juan José Ibáñez. Geodiversity and Geographic Diversity. (2011). madrimasd.org.
- Components of the geographic space. (sf). estudioraprender.com.