What's the purpose of Geometry?

The field of geometry is very broad and has many applications. Analysis of two- and three-dimensional shapes and a study of geometric relationships are used in fields ranging from architecture to landscaping. An ability to specify locations and describe spatial relationships is used in everything from navigation to shipping, transportation, and construction. Transformations and symmetry are useful in a range of projects from packaging to artistic expression. The programming of computer graphics and the intuitive interface with computers that we all depend on were made possible through geometry. Furthermore, geometry can be seen as a conceptual glue that connects many different areas within mathematics. For example, shapes drawn on a coordinate grid can be analyzed in terms of algebraic relationships. Concepts such as area of a rectangle or volume of a rectangular solid can help with interpretation of bar graphs. Fractional amounts are most often represented using geometric shapes. Percents are often modeled with a square that is partitioned into one hundred small squares. As we begin to explore areas in which geometric knowledge and skill are useful we find an abundance of applications. It is difficult to imagine any area of mathematics that is more widely used than is geometry.