Space

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Definition of space

According to Yi-Fu Tuan space can be described as a location which has no social connections for a human being. People don't ad value to this space. Tuan says (1977, p.164-165) that it is an open space, but may marked off and defended against intruders (Tuan, 1977, p. 4). People don't feel like giving that kind of space a meaning. It is more or less abstract (Tuan, 1977, p. 6).

Measuring space

Knox and Marston (2007) describe three ways of measuring space. Space can be measured in absolute, relative and cognitive terms. Absolute space is a mathematical space described through points, lines, areas, planes and configurations whose realtionships can be fixed precisely through mathematical reasoning. Space is for example described in kilometers or miles. There is also another mathematical space, the topological space. This space is defined as the connections or connectivity between points in space. The relative measurements of space can take the form of socioeconomic or experiential or cultural space. The socioeconomic space consists of sites, situations, routes, regions, patterns. The experiential or cultural space consists of a space where groups live and interact. The cognitive space is defined and measaured in terms of values, feelings, beliefs and perceptions. Therefore it is described in terms of behavioral space, like landmarks, paths, environments.

References

Knox, P.L. & Marston, S.A. (2007). Human Geography. Places and regions in global context. 4th edtion. Pearson.

Contributors

  • Page created by Michiel van Rijn--MichielVanRijn 23:26, 25 October 2012 (CEST)
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