Which of the following best defines contiguity in geospatial terms?

Contiguity in geospatial terms specifically refers to the condition where features are adjacent and share a common border. This concept is crucial in geographic analysis, as it helps in understanding relationships between spatial entities. For instance, in a land use scenario, two parcels of land that are contiguous could influence each other in terms of access, use, and management.

The importance of contiguity lies in its role in spatial analysis, particularly in networks and distance calculations. When analyzing phenomena such as urban development or ecological interactions, recognizing which features are contiguous allows for more accurate modeling and insights into how one feature may impact another.

While proximity is essential to many geospatial analyses, it does not necessarily mean that features share any boundaries. Overlapping features can indicate some form of interaction, but that does not inherently imply adjacency. Network features typically involve connections or relationships but may not directly relate to the concept of contiguity as defined in a spatial context.