What does "spatial variation" mean?

Question

What does "spatial variation" mean?

Answer 1

Well, the word "spatial" in geography means pertaining to space on the earth's surface.  So, "spatial variation" means the variation across the global landscape that is normally associated with populations.  Some areas could have a high degree of spatial variation, perhaps from immigration or ease of access to a neighboring culture, or a low degree of spatial variation, perhaps due to a particular culture's isolation.  

Hope that helps!

- PhD Student in Geography