Compare Natural Boundaries, Geometric Boundaries, Antecedent Boundaries, And Subsequent Boundaries

Natural boundary; occurs when there are natural features that divide one country from another. Bodies of water are an example of natural boundaries.

Geometric boundaries; are boundaries that are drawn up as lines on a map without much interest in whatever natural or cultural features are present. The line diving the United States and Canada at the 49th parallel is a geometric boundary.

An antecedent boundary; is created before an area is known or populated. Many antecedent boundaries were drawn with no recognition of the populations living there.

Subsequent boundary; Created after recognized settlement. Meant to separate existing cultural groups and may signify an attempt to align the boundaries that exist between nations.