Researches on New Spatial Forms in Information Era
信息时代新空间形态研究

Space is a key theme for geographical research. With wide application of information technology in social economic system, traditional geographical space is undergoing rapid transformation. Based on the western explanation on new spatial forms, the paper tries to research new spatial forms produced by information technology. Physical space, virtual space and gray space are put forward. Then, the paper analyzes the concepts, components and types of physical space, virtual space and gray space. Gray space is the way from physical space to virtual space and also the interaction space between physical space and virtual space. Comparing to the other two types of space, gray space manifests the fused characteristics of physical space and virtual space. Finally, the paper compares similarities and differences of these three types of space, and argues that the co-existed spatial process is a continual phenomenon.