Zonesbetween

ZonesBetween is a term used in geographic information systems and spatial planning to denote the region that lies between two predefined zones. It describes transitional areas that are not strictly part of either zone but are relevant to processes that cross zone boundaries, such as ecological corridors, pollution plumes, noise buffers, or regulatory overlays.

In practice, zonesbetween is defined by the criteria chosen for a project. Common approaches specify a distance from the boundaries of the reference zones, or rely on topological relationships to identify space that lies between the zones according to a chosen criterion. Analysis typically involves raster or vector operations, buffering, and spatial joins. The exact definition can vary with context and data availability, making clear documentation of the criteria important for reproducibility.

Applications include habitat connectivity studies, urban planning and zoning compliance, environmental impact assessments, and risk modeling where a gradient or transition zone is needed to blend properties or manage interventions. Zonesbetween can help model gradual change across boundaries, support decision-making in land-use planning, and provide a neutral framework for analyzing inter-zone interactions.

Limitations include sensitivity to data quality, spatial scale, and the arbitrary choice of distance thresholds or criteria. Because the definition of zonesbetween depends on project goals, comparisons across studies may be challenging unless explicit, consistent criteria are used.

See also: transition zone, buffer, gradient analysis, spatial interpolation.