O geographic space it is the means used and transformed by human activities. In general terms, it differs from the natural space, in that the latter does not directly suffer the consequences of economic, social, cultural and daily practices present in societies and involving both the rural and the environment urban.
In fact, there are several concepts of geographic space, varying according to the approach and current of thought employed. In some cases it is seen as a “receptacle”, a stage for human activities; in others, it is conceived as a conjunction of elements of nature, being also conceptualized as a reflection and conditioning factor of social practices.
Milton Santos, in his book The Nature of Space, states that "the space is formed by an inseparable, solidary and also contradictory set of systems of objects and systems of actions, not considered in isolation, but as the single frame in which history takes place. gives”[1]. Being formed by objects and actions, it is inserted and structured based on the logic of production, in which natural objects they provide a natural space that, through techniques, is transformed into technological objects that modify and are modified by the quite.
Thus, the geographic space is built from the transformation of natural elements by anthropic practices. Therefore, it keeps with it the historical marks of civilizations and their transformations over time, given that new constructions and reconstructions are always taking place, but not equally along the length of the societies.
It is important, however, that the concept of geographic space is not confused with that of landscape. After all, landscapes also differ between natural and geographic, as they form the external expression of space. Basically, we can understand that the landscape is the space apprehended by our senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste).
In addition to landscape, another concept that is also relevant to understanding space is that of territory. This, in turn, also has several definitions, the most used being the one referring to power relations. So the territory is seen, roughly speaking, as a portion of space delimited by ownership or the exercise of a certain power or sovereignty. For example, the territory of Brazil, of which the Brazilian State is sovereign, or the territory of drug dealers, in which each area is considered the domain of a certain individual.
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Another important notion, in this context, is that of region. This, in general terms, can be understood as a division or delimitation of the geographic space carried out from a previously established criterion. For example, we can divide the area of a city into different regions based on the average income level of the population in each. sector, which would allow a better understanding of each place and the establishment of specific public policies for each region.
Finally, from the understanding of geographic space, we can highlight the concept of place. This is understood, in a more comprehensive analysis of reality, as the space perceived by individuals, with emphasis on a relationship of affection, identity and belonging. For example: the house where I live, the farm where I spent my childhood, the amusement park I always attended, my neighborhood, among others.
Therefore, we can see that the understanding of space is both a complex and important issue, and it is up to the geography the establishment of scientific methods of systematization and analysis. It is worth remembering that the definitions presented above do not necessarily represent the opinion of all geographers, being only the most accepted or used concepts, with, in the meantime, several debates, disputes and syntheses.
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[1] SANTOS, M. The Nature of Space: Technique and time, reason and emotion. 4. ed. 2. reprint. São Paulo: University of São Paulo Publisher, 2006. p.39.
By Me. Rodolfo Alves Pena
