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Time-Space Compression

Definition

Time-space compression refers to the set of processes that cause the relative distances between places (i.e., as measured in terms of travel time or cost) to contract, effectively making such places grow "closer."

Analogy

Think about how long it took for a letter to reach from one country to another 100 years ago. Now, with email and instant messaging, we can communicate across the globe in seconds. That's time-space compression - it's like we've squished the world closer together.

Related terms

Relative Distance: This is a measure of the social, cultural and economic relatedness or connectivity between two places - how connected or disconnected they are despite their absolute geographical distance.

Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, often attributed as a major factor causing time-space compression.

Telecommunication: The transmission of signs, signals, messages, words, writings, images and sounds or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems. It has greatly contributed to time-space compression.