9+ Atlanta to Savannah, GA: How Far Is It Really?


9+ Atlanta to Savannah, GA: How Far Is It Really?

The space between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, represents a big intrastate journey. This measurement will be thought of from varied views, together with driving distance, straight-line distance (because the crow flies), and the space traveled by various transportation strategies similar to prepare or bus. The precise mileage might differ based mostly on the particular route taken.

Understanding the separation between these two main Georgian cities is related for logistical planning, tourism, and enterprise journey. Traditionally, the connection between the state capital and its oldest metropolis and former capital has been essential for commerce and governance. The convenience and effectivity of journey between them immediately impression financial exercise and cultural change.

This text will delve into the specifics of this spatial relationship, outlining the approximate driving time, the components that may affect journey length, and various transportation choices obtainable for these in search of to navigate the expanse between these two outstanding locations inside Georgia.

1. Driving Distance (Miles)

The driving distance, measured in miles, constitutes probably the most sensible and generally used metric for assessing the separation between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. It immediately influences journey time, gasoline prices, and general journey planning. The particular mileage varies barely relying on the exact beginning and ending factors inside every metropolis and the chosen route, however a basic determine gives a dependable estimate.

  • Customary Route Mileage

    Essentially the most direct driving route, primarily alongside Interstate 16 (I-16), usually measures roughly 250 miles. This determine is the baseline for calculating estimated journey time and gasoline consumption. On-line mapping companies usually concur on this distance, although minor variations might happen on account of map updates or rounding.

  • Affect of Alternate Routes

    Whereas I-16 presents probably the most direct path, various routes exist which will add to the entire mileage. These alternate options could be chosen for scenic causes, to keep away from visitors congestion on the interstate, or to go to intermediate areas. Nevertheless, they invariably lead to an extended driving distance and consequently, elevated journey time and gasoline prices.

  • Impact of City Sprawl

    The growing city sprawl round each Atlanta and Savannah can subtly have an effect on the perceived and precise driving distance. Because the cities broaden, the preliminary and remaining segments of the journey throughout the city areas can develop into extra congested, lengthening the time spent protecting comparatively quick distances, thereby not directly impacting the general journey expertise.

  • Precision vs. Approximation

    Whereas mapping instruments supply exact mileage figures, it is essential to acknowledge that these are estimates based mostly on preferrred circumstances. Actual-world components similar to street development, detours, and ranging pace limits can introduce discrepancies between the calculated distance and the precise distance traveled. Subsequently, the mileage must be seen as a tenet relatively than an absolute certainty.

In conclusion, the driving distance in miles serves as a elementary aspect in understanding the geographical relationship between Atlanta and Savannah. Whereas the commonly accepted determine of roughly 250 miles gives a helpful benchmark, it is essential to contemplate the potential impression of route variations, city congestion, and real-world driving circumstances on the general journey.

2. Journey Time (Hours)

Journey time, measured in hours, is a essential issue when assessing the space between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. Whereas the bodily distance represents the spatial separation, journey time displays the precise length required to traverse that distance, incorporating parts of pace, visitors, and route effectivity. The connection between distance and journey time just isn’t linear; relatively, it’s influenced by varied exterior components.

The approximate driving distance between Atlanta and Savannah is 250 miles through Interstate 16. Below preferrred circumstances, with minimal visitors and adherence to posted pace limits, this interprets to a driving time of roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Nevertheless, real-world circumstances often deviate from this preferrred. Heavy visitors, significantly round Atlanta and through peak journey seasons, can considerably lengthen the journey time. Street development, accidents, and hostile climate circumstances additionally contribute to potential delays. For instance, a visit undertaken throughout a vacation weekend or throughout rush hour close to Atlanta might simply take 5 to six hours, demonstrating the sensitivity of journey time to exterior variables. The mode of transport considerably impacts journey time; whereas driving is the commonest alternative, bus journey might take 5 to six hours, and prepare journey just isn’t a direct choice, requiring transfers and growing general journey length. Understanding the interaction between bodily distance and these time-altering components is important for efficient journey planning and logistical issues.

In abstract, whereas the space from Atlanta to Savannah stays fixed, journey time fluctuates based mostly on a fancy interaction of things. Consciousness of potential delays on account of visitors, climate, or development is essential for correct journey time estimation. Acknowledging these variables permits for knowledgeable decision-making relating to departure instances, route choice, and mode of transportation, finally contributing to a extra predictable and environment friendly journey expertise. The correlation highlights the significance of contemplating temporal, not simply spatial, dimensions when planning journey between these two cities.

3. Route choices (I-16, and so on.)

Route choices immediately affect the perceived and precise distance between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. Whereas the Interstate 16 (I-16) hall is the first thoroughfare, various routes exist, every presenting distinct traits that impression journey time, mileage, and general journey expertise.

  • I-16: The Major Artery

    I-16 is probably the most direct and generally traveled route connecting Atlanta and Savannah. Its designation as an interstate freeway ensures comparatively constant pace limits and restricted stops. The vast majority of the roughly 250-mile journey is roofed on this single freeway. Nevertheless, congestion close to Atlanta and Savannah can considerably have an effect on journey time, even on this major route.

  • U.S. Freeway Alternate options

    Parallel to I-16, varied U.S. Highways supply various routes. These routes typically traverse smaller cities and rural landscapes, doubtlessly providing a extra scenic drive. Nevertheless, they usually contain decrease pace limits, elevated visitors quantity in populated areas, and a larger variety of stops, leading to longer general journey instances and doubtlessly larger mileage in comparison with I-16.

  • Oblique Routes through Different Interstates

    Whereas much less frequent, it’s attainable to journey between Atlanta and Savannah utilizing a mix of different interstate highways, similar to I-75 and I-95. These routes considerably enhance the entire mileage and journey time. Such deviations are usually solely undertaken for particular functions, similar to visiting areas considerably off the direct I-16 path or circumventing main visitors incidents.

  • Toll Roads and Their Absence

    Notably, there aren’t any toll roads alongside the first route (I-16) or any available various routes between Atlanta and Savannah. This absence of tolls simplifies journey planning, as drivers needn’t consider toll prices or cost strategies. Nevertheless, the dearth of toll income may have an effect on the extent of upkeep and infrastructure enhancements alongside these routes in comparison with toll-funded highways in different areas.

The supply and collection of route choices play a big position in figuring out the precise expertise of touring between Atlanta and Savannah. Whereas I-16 presents probably the most direct path, various routes present totally different benefits and drawbacks. The optimum alternative relies on particular person priorities, similar to minimizing journey time, experiencing scenic landscapes, or visiting particular locations alongside the best way. Understanding these trade-offs permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices and tailor their journey to their particular wants.

4. Site visitors Circumstances Affect

Site visitors circumstances represent a dynamic issue considerably influencing the perceived and precise distance between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. Whereas the bodily separation stays fixed, the time required to traverse it varies considerably relying on prevailing visitors stream. The implications lengthen past mere inconvenience, affecting logistical planning, financial effectivity, and general journey experiences.

  • Peak Hours and Congestion Zones

    Atlanta’s notoriously heavy rush-hour visitors considerably extends journey time, significantly on the I-285 perimeter and connecting arteries. Congestion often spills over onto I-16, particularly throughout weekday mornings and evenings. Equally, Savannah experiences localized visitors bottlenecks close to its port and historic district. These peak-hour slowdowns disproportionately have an effect on journey time, reworking a theoretically 3.5-hour journey right into a 5- or 6-hour ordeal. Commuting patterns and freight visitors contribute closely to those recurring congestion zones.

  • Seasonal Journey Patterns

    Sure instances of the yr exacerbate visitors circumstances between Atlanta and Savannah. Vacation weekends, significantly Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, witness a surge in leisure journey, inserting immense pressure on I-16. Summer time trip months additionally contribute to elevated visitors quantity. Conversely, weekdays throughout off-peak seasons usually expertise lighter visitors, doubtlessly permitting for smoother and sooner transit. Predicting these seasonal patterns is essential for efficient journey planning.

  • Incidents and Roadwork

    Unexpected incidents, similar to accidents or development tasks, can dramatically disrupt visitors stream and considerably enhance journey time. Even minor fender-benders could cause vital delays on account of lane closures and rubbernecking. Street upkeep actions, whereas crucial for infrastructure repairs, typically necessitate lane reductions and pace restrictions. Actual-time visitors monitoring companies present helpful info for navigating these sudden disruptions and adjusting routes accordingly.

  • Affect on Industrial Transportation

    The impression of visitors circumstances extends past particular person vacationers, profoundly affecting industrial transportation and freight supply. Delays brought on by congestion or incidents enhance gasoline consumption, driver hours, and supply instances, finally impacting the price of items and companies. Environment friendly logistics planning depends closely on correct visitors forecasting and route optimization to mitigate these financial penalties. The Savannah port’s reliance on trucking additional amplifies the vulnerability to traffic-related delays.

In summation, the impression of visitors circumstances on the journey between Atlanta and Savannah is plain. These circumstances remodel a hard and fast geographical distance right into a variable temporal expertise. Understanding the patterns of congestion, the affect of seasonal journey, and the potential for sudden disruptions is important for knowledgeable decision-making and minimizing travel-related delays. Correct forecasting and adaptive route planning are important for each particular person vacationers and industrial operations in search of to navigate this intrastate hall effectively.

5. Various Transport Modes

The space between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, will be traversed utilizing varied various transport modes, every providing distinct benefits and drawbacks in comparison with non-public car journey. These alternate options impression journey time, value, comfort, and environmental issues.

  • Bus Companies

    Industrial bus traces present a direct transportation choice between Atlanta and Savannah. Whereas usually extra economical than driving, bus journey usually requires an extended journey time, starting from 4 to six hours relying on the variety of stops. The comfort issue is lowered on account of mounted schedules and restricted flexibility. Examples embrace Greyhound and FlixBus, each providing a number of day by day departures. Bus journey generally is a viable choice for budget-conscious vacationers and people with out entry to a private car.

  • Practice Journey (Restricted Availability)

    Direct prepare service between Atlanta and Savannah just isn’t presently obtainable. Amtrak routes require transferring via different cities, considerably growing journey time and negating any potential time-saving advantages. The absence of a direct rail connection poses a logistical problem for vacationers in search of to keep away from freeway journey. This limitation underscores the reliance on road-based transport for this specific route.

  • Air Journey (Oblique Relevance)

    Though each Atlanta and Savannah have airports, flying between the 2 cities is usually impractical as a result of quick distance. Industrial flights are rare and contain vital layover instances, rendering this selection much less environment friendly than driving or bus journey. The price of airfare and related airport procedures additional detract from its viability. Air journey turns into related primarily when connecting to or from these cities from extra distant areas.

  • Journey-Sharing Companies

    Journey-sharing companies similar to Uber and Lyft could also be a theoretical choice for touring between Atlanta and Savannah, however will not be sensible. The price could be prohibitively costly as a result of distance, and discovering a driver keen to make such a protracted journey could possibly be difficult. Moreover, surge pricing throughout peak journey instances might additional enhance the expense. Subsequently, ride-sharing just isn’t a really helpful mode of transportation between these two cities.

In conclusion, whereas various transport modes exist for touring between Atlanta and Savannah, their practicality varies significantly. Bus companies supply a viable choice for price range vacationers, whereas the dearth of direct prepare service and the impracticality of air journey spotlight the dominance of road-based transportation for this route. The selection of transport mode is finally decided by particular person priorities and issues relating to time, value, and comfort.

6. Value of Transportation

The expense related to touring between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, is immediately correlated to the space separating the 2 cities. This value encompasses varied components, every contributing to the general monetary burden of the journey. Understanding these parts is important for knowledgeable decision-making and budgetary planning.

  • Gas Consumption

    The first determinant of transportation value for personal automobiles is gasoline consumption. The approximate 250-mile distance necessitates a big quantity of gasoline or diesel. Gas costs fluctuate, impacting the general expense. Automobile gasoline effectivity performs an important position; a extra fuel-efficient car will demonstrably scale back the price of the journey. Actual-world driving circumstances, similar to visitors congestion and pace variations, additionally have an effect on gasoline consumption.

  • Automobile Put on and Tear

    Touring the space between Atlanta and Savannah incurs put on and tear on a car. This consists of tire degradation, oil consumption, and potential mechanical points. Whereas the rapid value will not be obvious, long-term car upkeep bills are immediately associated to the miles pushed. Repeatedly scheduled upkeep and inspections can mitigate these prices however signify an unavoidable side of auto possession and utilization.

  • Public Transportation Fares

    For vacationers using public transportation, similar to bus companies, the fare represents the first value. Bus fares range relying on the service supplier, time of yr, and advance reserving reductions. Whereas usually inexpensive than driving a non-public car, bus journey introduces constraints relating to scheduling and suppleness. The trade-off between value financial savings and comfort should be thought of.

  • Alternative Value of Time

    Whereas not a direct monetary outlay, the chance value of time spent touring represents a big issue. The hours devoted to transportation might in any other case be used for work, leisure, or different productive actions. The worth of this time varies relying on particular person circumstances and earnings ranges. This chance value must be factored into the general evaluation of transportation bills, significantly when evaluating totally different modes of journey with various durations.

In summation, the price of transportation between Atlanta and Savannah encompasses each direct monetary expenditures and oblique alternative prices. Gas consumption, car put on and tear, and public transportation fares signify tangible bills, whereas the worth of time spent touring constitutes an intangible however vital consideration. A complete analysis of those components is important for making knowledgeable journey choices and optimizing useful resource allocation when navigating the space between these two Georgian cities.

7. Factors of curiosity en route

The spatial relationship between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, is considerably influenced by the presence and accessibility of factors of curiosity positioned alongside the connecting route. These points of interest, whether or not historic websites, pure landmarks, or city facilities, introduce parts of optionality and deviation from probably the most direct path, thereby immediately affecting the general distance traveled and the perceived size of the journey. For instance, a traveler selecting to go to Macon, Georgia, a metropolis located roughly halfway between Atlanta and Savannah, would add mileage and time to the journey in comparison with a continuous drive alongside Interstate 16. The collection of such factors of curiosity transforms the journey from a easy commute right into a extra complicated itinerary, the place the “how far” measurement turns into a operate of desired experiences relatively than mere bodily separation.

Concerns of the sensible significance of en route factors of curiosity lengthen to transportation planning and financial improvement. The strategic placement and promotion of points of interest alongside main transportation corridors can stimulate native economies by attracting vacationers and inspiring in a single day stays. Conversely, insufficient accessibility or lack of understanding relating to these factors of curiosity may end up in missed alternatives for financial development. Moreover, the provision of companies and facilities at these stops, similar to eating places, lodging, and gasoline stations, is essential to supporting secure and comfy journey for these traversing the space between Atlanta and Savannah. The presence of such infrastructure immediately influences route choice and the general value and comfort of the journey. Thus, the existence of those areas is a part of how far is atlanta to savannah georgia

In conclusion, the combination of factors of curiosity alongside the route connecting Atlanta and Savannah introduces complexities to the understanding of distance. Whereas the core mileage stays fixed, the inclusion of those points of interest transforms the journey from a point-to-point switch right into a dynamic exploration. By affecting route selections, journey time, and general expertise, these factors of curiosity develop into integral to the perceived “how far” between the 2 cities, providing alternatives for enrichment whereas concurrently posing challenges for environment friendly journey planning. Correct accessibility planning and promotion of those areas is essential, not just for their particular person success but additionally to spice up regional financial actions.

8. Geographic issues

The perceived and precise distance between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, is inextricably linked to geographic issues. The underlying topography, hydrological options, and soil composition of the intervening land immediately affect route choice, infrastructure improvement, and finally, journey time. The comparatively flat coastal plain characterizing the southern portion of the route contrasts with the Piedmont area nearer to Atlanta, impacting street development prices and design. The presence of rivers and swamps necessitates bridge development and might enhance detour distances within the occasion of infrastructure failure. Soil stability influences roadbed integrity, requiring particular engineering options to stop erosion and subsidence. Thus, the geographic traits of the area contribute on to the bodily distance and the challenges in overcoming it. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in knowledgeable infrastructure planning and useful resource allocation, optimizing routes to attenuate environmental impression and development prices, as an example, routing round particularly unstable soil areas or creating larger bridges.

Additional evaluation reveals that geographic components additionally have an effect on regional local weather patterns, which in flip, affect transportation. Coastal areas close to Savannah are liable to flooding throughout storm occasions, doubtlessly disrupting visitors stream and necessitating street closures. Inland areas can expertise dense fog, decreasing visibility and growing accident dangers. Seasonal temperature variations impression street floor circumstances, requiring adaptive upkeep methods. A direct instance is the annual hurricane season, which will increase the possibilities of bridge closures and freeway harm close to Savannah, impacting all calculations of “how far is Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia”. These climate-related components introduce variability to journey time and underscore the necessity for proactive catastrophe preparedness measures.

In conclusion, geographic issues signify a elementary part in assessing the space between Atlanta and Savannah. Topography, hydrology, soil composition, and local weather patterns every contribute to the challenges and alternatives related to traversing this spatial separation. Recognizing and adapting to those geographic realities is essential for environment friendly transportation planning, infrastructure upkeep, and making certain the security and reliability of journey between these two main Georgian cities. Neglecting these components can result in elevated prices, environmental degradation, and compromised transportation networks.

9. Historic journey context

The perceived and precise distance between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, has been formed profoundly by the historic context of journey. Analyzing previous modes of transportation, street infrastructure, and journey motivations gives essential perception into how this spatial relationship has advanced over time, thus impacting “how far is atlanta to savannah georgia”.

  • Pre-Car Period (pre-1900s)

    Previous to the widespread adoption of cars, journey between Atlanta and Savannah relied on railroads, stagecoaches, and waterways. Journey instances have been considerably longer, typically taking a number of days. Railroads offered probably the most environment friendly choice for freight and passenger transport, whereas stagecoaches supplied extra direct routes however have been topic to climate circumstances and street high quality. The perceived distance was amplified by the arduous nature of journey and the restricted accessibility of distant areas.

  • Early Automotive Period (1900s-Fifties)

    The arrival of the car regularly reworked journey between Atlanta and Savannah. Preliminary street infrastructure was primitive, consisting largely of unpaved roads. As street networks improved, journey instances decreased, however remained vulnerable to climate and car reliability. The institution of early highways marked a big step in decreasing the perceived distance and growing the accessibility of each cities, shrinking “how far is atlanta to savannah georgia”.

  • Interstate Freeway System (Fifties-Current)

    The development of Interstate 16 (I-16) in the course of the latter half of the twentieth century revolutionized journey between Atlanta and Savannah. I-16 offered a direct, high-speed connection, dramatically decreasing journey instances and growing security. This infrastructure improvement considerably altered the perceived distance, reworking what was as soon as a multi-day journey right into a manageable 3-4 hour drive. The introduction of contemporary highways shrank “how far is atlanta to savannah georgia”.

  • Affect of Financial and Social Elements

    Historic financial actions, similar to agriculture and commerce, have influenced journey patterns between Atlanta and Savannah. The motion of products and folks has pushed infrastructure improvement and formed transportation priorities. Social components, similar to tourism and migration, have additionally performed a job in growing demand for environment friendly transportation choices, thereby affecting street high quality and entry, immediately impacting the size of journeys. So historic context has impacts on “how far is atlanta to savannah georgia”.

The historic journey context gives a helpful framework for understanding how the space between Atlanta and Savannah has been perceived and skilled over time. From the arduous journeys of the pre-automobile period to the environment friendly connectivity afforded by fashionable highways, the evolution of transportation infrastructure and journey patterns has profoundly formed the connection between these two main Georgian cities. Recognizing this historic trajectory enhances our appreciation of the components that affect journey and transportation even right this moment. So “how far is atlanta to savannah georgia” has modified rather a lot via historical past.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the spatial separation of Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, specializing in goal knowledge and sensible issues for journey planning.

Query 1: What’s the approximate driving distance between Atlanta and Savannah?

The driving distance is roughly 250 miles, primarily alongside Interstate 16 (I-16). This determine serves as a baseline for estimating journey time and gasoline consumption.

Query 2: How lengthy does it usually take to drive from Atlanta to Savannah?

Below preferrred circumstances, the drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Nevertheless, visitors congestion, significantly round Atlanta, can considerably lengthen the length.

Query 3: Are there various routes in addition to I-16?

Sure, U.S. Highways parallel to I-16 supply various routes. These routes could also be extra scenic however usually contain decrease pace limits and longer journey instances.

Query 4: Is there a direct prepare connection between Atlanta and Savannah?

No, direct prepare service just isn’t presently obtainable. Amtrak routes require transfers, growing general journey time.

Query 5: What’s the most economical mode of transportation for touring between Atlanta and Savannah?

Bus companies are usually probably the most economical choice. Nevertheless, bus journey usually requires an extended journey time in comparison with driving.

Query 6: How does visitors impression the journey time between Atlanta and Savannah?

Site visitors congestion, significantly throughout peak hours and holidays, can considerably enhance journey time. Actual-time visitors monitoring companies can present helpful info for avoiding delays.

Key takeaways emphasize the significance of contemplating visitors circumstances and route choice when planning journey between Atlanta and Savannah. Whereas the space stays fixed, journey time fluctuates based mostly on exterior components.

The following part will present a abstract of key issues and planning suggestions for navigating the space between Atlanta and Savannah.

Navigating the Distance

Efficient journey between Atlanta and Savannah requires cautious planning, given the affect of assorted components on transit time and value. The next suggestions, specializing in the implications of distance, are meant to facilitate environment friendly and knowledgeable decision-making.

Tip 1: Prioritize Site visitors Monitoring. Actual-time visitors knowledge, obtainable via mapping purposes and transportation web sites, presents essential perception into present street circumstances. Congestion in Atlanta and close to Savannah can considerably enhance journey time, prompting consideration of different departure instances or routes.

Tip 2: Exploit Off-Peak Journey Home windows. Weekday journey, outdoors of morning and night rush hours, usually experiences lighter visitors. Avoiding peak journey seasons, similar to holidays and summer time weekends, also can decrease delays and scale back the general stress of the journey.

Tip 3: Consider Various Route Choices. Whereas I-16 gives probably the most direct path, U.S. Highways might supply much less congested alternate options, significantly if vital delays are anticipated on the interstate. Consider the potential trade-off between journey time and the desirability of scenic routes.

Tip 4: Calculate Gas Prices in Advance. Make the most of on-line gasoline value calculators to estimate gasoline bills based mostly on car gasoline effectivity and present gasoline costs. This proactive method aids in budgetary planning and facilitates comparability with public transportation choices.

Tip 5: Assess the Advantages of Public Transportation. Bus companies supply an economical various to driving, significantly for solo vacationers. Contemplate the trade-off between the lowered expense and the elevated journey time related to bus journey.

Tip 6: Schedule Buffer Time. Surprising delays, similar to accidents or development, can disrupt journey plans. Incorporating buffer time into the itinerary gives a cushion for unexpected circumstances and reduces the danger of missed appointments or connections.

Tip 7: Contemplate Seasonal Variables. Climate circumstances, significantly throughout hurricane season, can impression journey security and street closures close to Savannah. Monitor climate forecasts and regulate journey plans accordingly.

Strategic planning, incorporating visitors monitoring, versatile scheduling, and value evaluation, can considerably improve the effectivity and predictability of journey between Atlanta and Savannah. By addressing these components, each particular person vacationers and industrial operations can optimize useful resource allocation and mitigate potential disruptions. The space will be bested with the appropriate plan.

In conclusion, efficient navigation of the space between Atlanta and Savannah depends on a complete understanding of exterior influences and proactive decision-making. These strategic suggestions present a framework for optimizing the journey expertise and minimizing the impression of distance on time and assets.

Conclusion

This exploration has offered a multifaceted understanding of how far is Atlanta to Savannah Georgia. The evaluation encompassed bodily distance, journey time variability influenced by visitors and route choice, various transportation choices with related value implications, and the impression of geographic and historic contexts. Efficient navigation between these cities requires a synthesis of this info to optimize journey methods.

Correct evaluation of the space is crucial for knowledgeable decision-making, impacting logistical planning, useful resource allocation, and financial effectivity. Vacationers are inspired to leverage real-time knowledge and strategic planning to mitigate potential disruptions and improve the general journey expertise. Continued infrastructural enhancements and developments in transportation expertise will additional refine the sensible implications of this spatial relationship.