shape

Individuals form scan paths that enable them to recognize similar perceptual objects (e.g. triangles that look approximately the same). When several different types of triangular perceptual objects are abstracted and associated with the word triangle, an early conceptualization of triangle is created. However, at this early stage of recognition, an individual's "conceptualization" of triangle is usually limited to a small set of prototypes and is holistic in nature (p 856-7).

Central to recognition and to categorization of objects at the basic level is contour, or shape. Underlying shape for most objects are parts in the proper configuration (p 3).

the constancy of shapes results from their sensori-motor construction at the time of co-ordination of perspectives (p 11).

Pattern and shape. By definition, shape is accepted to be related to a condition of closure. Pattern, however, simply describes the arrangement of the phenomena with respect to each other. In this case, the occurrences are not referred to a boundary or to the size of the area in which they occur. Patterns, of course, can be formed by points, lines, or areas (e.g., mosaics). Although mathematicians have given us an extraordinary array of devices for dealing with shape, we know very little about pattern, and have fewer tools for dealing with them

Areal units all have two-dimensional shape, that is, a set of relationships of relative position between points on their perimeters which is unaffected by changes in scale. Shape is a property of many objects of interest in geography, such as drumlins, coral atolls, and central business districts (p. 177/see source for more)