What defines absolute location?

Absolute location is defined by the precise and unchanging coordinates of a place on the Earth's surface, which are expressed in terms of latitude and longitude. These geographical coordinates provide a specific point that can be located on a map, allowing for an exact reference to where a location exists globally. This concept is critical in geography as it eliminates ambiguity about where a place is situated.

In contrast, the other options refer to different ways of understanding or identifying a location. Describing a location based on physical characteristics pertains to its environment and landscape, while locating a place by its relationship to other places emphasizes relative location, which considers how a place interacts with and is situated concerning neighboring areas. Lastly, location based on cultural significance involves the importance or relevance of a place within certain cultural contexts, which does not provide a geographic coordinate but rather a qualitative assessment of its value or meaning.