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Concepts of space - Lecture notes 7
Geographical Perspectives (ENV-4010Y)
University of East Anglia
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Geographical perspectives – module ENV-4010Y
Concepts of space
The production of geographical knowledge has always been concerned with the description and understanding of space or spatial relationships. “space is ... the fundamental stuff of geography” (Thrift, 2009, p). In empirical terms, positions in geographical space can be a defined by a combination of locations (sets of co-ordinates), distances and directions. One feature of the history of geography is the way the measurement of such parameters has gradually become more standardised and comprehensive.
Absolute and Relative Space Until the 1950s the dominant perspective in geography was of absolute space (i. a passive container which may or may not be filled with objects). “The area, in itself, is related to the phenomena within it, only in that it contains them in such and such locations” Hartshorne (1939) The Nature of Geography , p. During the Quantitative Revolution there was growing emphasis on space as something which exists relative to objects. This gave more explanatory power to concepts of spatial relationships and distance. The (more active) relative (or functional) view has since become more important in geography.
Concepts of Relative Space Space is defined according to the relations between sets of objects.
- Relations – measures of interaction or separation
- Objects – sets of phenomena As relations or objects change so the definition of space alters i. a dynamic view allowing for multiple representations.
Time Distances
This is apparent in the diffusion of ideas, innovations or other phenomena from an origin.
Modelling Connectivity for Volcanic Risk The Soufrière Hills volcano has been active on Montserrat since 1995. Parts of the island have been evacuated and cost surface techniques have been used to predict hazards from pyroclastic flows and lahars.
Estimating Cost Distance and Flow Paths
Functional Distances
Such functional metrics are a form of relative distance representing the ease or extent of interaction. What would be other applications of this approach?
Relational Spaces This perspective features in post-structuralist geography. It emphasises that space is a product of interrelations and is inherently individual and ephemeral. “Since space is continuously being made, unmade, and remade by the incessant shuffling of heterogeneous relations, its potential can never be contained and its exuberance can never be quelled.” Doel, 2007 quoted by Cresswell, 2013, p. Example: interactions between individuals in a community vary according to context (friends, family or work), can be asymmetrical in terms of power and change over time. ... Spaces are unique and dynamic, defying measurement.
Concepts of space - Lecture notes 7
Module: Geographical Perspectives (ENV-4010Y)
University: University of East Anglia
