What does the term 'spatial interaction' refer to in geography?

The term 'spatial interaction' in geography refers specifically to the movement of people, goods, and ideas between different locations. This concept highlights the connectivity and flow that occurs between places, encompassing various forms of interaction such as trade, migration, and the dissemination of information. Understanding spatial interaction is crucial as it explains how locations influence each other and how changes in one area can have ripple effects across distances.

The other options, while relevant to geography, do not encapsulate the full scope of spatial interaction. For instance, urbanization pertains specifically to population growth in cities and does not address the broader interactions that occur between different locations. The study of geographical features on a map focuses on physical characteristics of the earth's surface rather than how different places are connected. Similarly, climate variations deal with meteorological patterns rather than social or economic exchanges. Thus, option A accurately defines the essence of spatial interaction in a geographical context.