geo

Geo is a prefix derived from the Greek ge, meaning earth. In common usage, geo is shorthand for geography, the study of the Earth's surfaces, environments, and the ways humans interact with them. The field combines physical and cultural dimensions and often uses maps, spatial analysis, and geographic information to describe patterns on the planet.

In science, geo- forms terms such as geology (the science of the Earth's materials and history), geodesy (the measurement and representation of the Earth’s shape and size), geophysics, geomorphology, and related disciplines that investigate Earth's structure, composition, and dynamics. These areas address topics from rock formation and seismic activity to landform development and Earth's gravity field.

In technology and data, geo- denotes geographic information, giving rise to GIS (geographic information systems), geolocation, geocoding, and geo-tagging. Geographic data are commonly stored in formats such as GeoJSON and used for mapping, navigation, urban planning, and spatial analysis.

In astronomy and spaceflight, GEO stands for geostationary orbit, a high-altitude orbit in which a satellite appears to move in sync with the Earth's rotation, enabling continuous communication coverage over a region.

As a term and prefix, geo appears in a wide range of disciplines and everyday usage, and it can also function as a proper noun in names of people, places, and brands.