Friction of distance is a concept in human geography that refers to the way distance affects the interactions and relationships between people and places. Essentially, the further apart two locations are, the more hindrances, or ‘friction,’ exist that can reduce the likelihood of interactions such as communication, trade, or migration.
In practical terms, this means that as distance increases, the costs and barriers (both physical and economic) to moving people, goods, or information also increase. For instance, if two cities are hundreds of miles apart, the transportation costs, travel time, and even cultural differences can create a friction that makes interaction less frequent or more difficult.
Friction of distance also encompasses factors like travel time and effort, which influence how readily people can reach each other. This concept is foundational in understanding various geographic patterns, such as urban development, population density, and the diffusion of innovation.