Population displacement, occurring when individuals or groups are compelled to leave their homes or habitual residences, constitutes a significant area of study within spatial science. This phenomenon encompasses a range of circumstances, including armed conflict, persecution, environmental disasters, and development projects. An instance of this is the displacement of communities due to large-scale dam construction, where residents are required to relocate regardless of their consent.
Understanding the factors contributing to involuntary population movements, and their spatial patterns, is crucial for effective humanitarian response, policy development, and conflict resolution. Analyses of geographic distribution, flow patterns, and the impact on both sending and receiving areas provide invaluable insights. Historically, such movements have reshaped demographics, altered cultural landscapes, and influenced resource distribution, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of compulsory relocation.