Relative Distance in Geography | Definition & Examples

While absolute distance measures the space between two people, places, or things from specific points, such as by saying that two people are 1.5 meters apart, relative location only measures proximity based on nonspecific places. The chair, for example, is next to the desk.

Returning to New York City's Chinatown and Little Italy, relative distance has been established between the relationships, customs, and societal norms of two communities. Differences exist between how life is conducted and how traditions take place, meaning that a notable relative distance exists between the communities. However, just as the absolute distance between Chinatown and Little Italy is small, the relative location of the two communities could also be noted as such if phrased Chinatown is located next to Little Italy. Similarly, a statement could be relayed that Chinatown is about 5 minutes from Little Italy when no specific landmark in either community is given.

• Example 1: California is one of the largest states in the United States, comprised of a population reaching more than 39 million individuals. Because the state is so large, a number of factors differ between the northern reaches of the territory and the southernmost points. For example, the population is much larger and more diversely cultured in the south due to the presence of many more developed cities, the weather and climate of Southern California being warmer and drier, and Southern California relying more on shipping and trade, while Northern California is often more focused on the production of raw materials and technologies. Politically, Southern California tends to view matters more liberally, while Northern California takes a conservative view. Because there are just over 1,000 miles between the most northern and southern points in the state, a sizable absolute distance exists between the borders of the territory. Based on the examples of climatic, social, economic, and political standards varying throughout the state, a far relative distance may also exist between locations in either measured region. When describing relative location in terms of region, it may be identified that Northern California is more closely relatively distanced to its northern neighbor, Oregon, while Southern California may be more closely aligned with its eastern neighbor, Arizona.
• Example 2: Latin America is a geographical region composed of many different nations from North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The total area of Latin America is over 7 million square miles, leading many geographers to initially believe that a far relative distance may exist between groups within the territory. Latin America does enjoy a far absolute distance when measuring its farthest points, but the relative distance of the region could actually not be much closer. Latin American countries are grouped together mainly because of their primary languages. The region describes nations and territories that speak dialects derived from Latin, more specifically the romance languages of Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Spain, France, and Portugal had a prominent role in the settlement of these territories during the Age of Discovery, meaning that the languages and cultures have remained present long after Latin American nations gained their independence from the European empires. Latin American nations are entered into unanimous political and economical treaties, enjoy many of the same cultural practices carried over from their previous inhabitants, and celebrate many of the same customs. As a result, although the absolute distance between the nations of Latin America may be large at times, the relative distance is small because of shared social, political, and cultural norms.

Though the area covered by Latin America is large, many nations have a close relative distance because of similar cultural customs, traditions, and practices. They also have similar political structures, social structures, and economic builds.