Types of Boundaries

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Relic Boundary

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A former boundary line that is still discernible and marked by some cultural landscape feature, such as a fence.

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Superimposed Boundary

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A boundary imposed by external forces, often disregarding cultural or historical divisions (e.g., African borders drawn by European colonizers).

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Antecedent Boundary

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Established before the area in question is well populated.

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Geometric Boundary

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Defined and delimited (and occasionally demarcated) as a straight line or an arc; also known as an artificial boundary.

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Subsequent Boundary

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A boundary that evolves as cultural landscapes change, often aligning with ethnic or linguistic divisions. It is established after the area in question has been settled and reflects the cultural characteristics of the bounded area.

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Consequent Boundary

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A boundary drawn to accommodate existing cultural, ethnic, or linguistic differences (e.g., the partition of India and Pakistan). Also known as an ethnographic boundary.

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Defined Boundary

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A political border between countries that has been legally established through a treaty or other official document, clearly outlining its location on a map.

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Delimited Boundary

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Written terms of a boundary have a cartographic (map) presentation.

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Demarcated Boundary

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An actual physical marker or barrier is set at a political boundary.

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Physical Boundary

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A natural boundary which is also a delimited boundary.