geographic

Geographic is an adjective relating to geography, the science that studies the Earth's surfaces, features, inhabitants, and phenomena, and to their distribution across space. The term derives from Greek ge- "earth" and graphia "writing" and is used to describe location, spatial relationships, and areas on maps as well as the field's methods.

In practical use, geographic describes coordinates and space: geographic coordinates, latitude and longitude; geographic information systems (GIS) collect, store, and analyze spatial data; cartography produces maps; and map projections translate the curved surface of the globe to flat representations for analysis and display.

Geographic study includes physical geography, which examines landforms, climate, and ecosystems, and human geography, which explores populations, economies, cultures, and urban development. The term also appears in phrases such as geographic distribution, geographic scope, and geographic scale to indicate where phenomena occur or how spread is measured.

Usage varies by region and style. American English commonly uses geographic, while geographical is more common in British English. Both forms are widely understood in academic and professional contexts as ways to describe spatial attributes and to support navigation, planning, environmental assessment, and policy decisions.