Topology is the branch of mathematics that studies the properties of shapes, configurations, and spaces. Synonyms for topology include geometry, spatial analysis, and topology theory. Geometry is a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties and relationships of points, lines, angles, and shapes. Spatial analysis is the study of patterns and relationships within space, often using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. Topology theory studies the properties of objects that are preserved even when the objects are stretched, twisted, or deformed. Other related synonyms for topology include topography, tessellation, and graph theory, which study the properties and relationships of surfaces, patterns, and networks, respectively.