avstånden

Avstånden (the distances) is a Swedish noun used to denote the separations between objects, locations, or concepts. In Swedish, avstånd is distance; avstånden is the definite plural form. The term appears across science, planning, and everyday language to describe how far apart things are.

Geography and surveying: Avstånd is measured as straight-line distance or along routes. Geodetic distance accounts for the shape of the Earth and projection effects; methods include GPS, odometry, and map scales. In cartography and planning, distances influence accessibility, travel time estimates, and catchment areas.

Urban planning and transport: Distances determine walking and driving times, service areas, and spatial equity. They guide the layout of pedestrian networks, transit access, and the placement of facilities so that populations can reach essential services within reasonable distances.

Science and astronomy: In physics and astronomy, avstånd refers to spatial separation between objects. Common units include meter, kilometer, astronomical unit, light-year, and parsec. Distances affect measurements of speed, brightness, and the scale of the universe, from laboratory experiments to cosmic observations.

Social and cultural dimensions: Distances also describe social and psychological separations, such as social distance or perceived distance, which can influence communication, behavior, and relationships. Temporal distance—how far in time an event feels—can affect decision making and memory.

Usage in Swedish: Avstånd features in everyday phrases like hålla avstånd (to maintain distance) and in descriptions of how far places are from each other, highlighting its role in both practical and metaphorical contexts.