The term identifies a place by its location relative to other objects or places. It emphasizes connectivity between a location and its surrounding context. For instance, a house might be described as being near a school, a park, and a grocery store, rather than simply stating its absolute coordinates.
This understanding is crucial in geography for analyzing spatial relationships and interdependencies. It provides valuable insights into accessibility, connectivity, and the flow of people, goods, and information. Historically, its importance has grown with increased globalization and the interconnectedness of regions, facilitating more nuanced analyses of regional interactions and development patterns.