What is the difference between absolute location and relative location?

Absolute location is defined by specific geographical coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, which provide an exact point on the Earth's surface. This precise identification allows for unequivocal referencing, making it essential for applications where exact positioning is necessary, such as navigation, mapping, and surveying.

In contrast, relative location describes a place's position in relation to other locations. It focuses on the relationship or distance from one place to another, which can vary depending on the context and perspective. Relative location is often influenced by familiar landmarks and routes as opposed to strictly defined coordinates.

Understanding absolute location as using geographic coordinates highlights its utility in GIS, where accurate data representation and location tracking are vital for various analyses and spatial decision-making.