Relative location helps to describe a place in relation to what?

Relative location describes a place by identifying its position in relation to other locations. This concept emphasizes how a particular area or point can be understood through its proximity or distance from nearby places. For instance, when stating that a city is located north of another city or near a river, one is utilizing relative location to convey useful geographical context about that place.

Understanding relative location is crucial because it allows people to navigate and comprehend spatial relationships in a more practical manner than using absolute coordinates, which refer to a specific point determined by latitude and longitude. In contrast, proximity to landmarks or other settlements gives a more relatable sense of where a place lies within a broader geographical understanding.