What role do familiar places have understanding situation of unfamiliar places?

Familiar places can provide a context to understanding unfamiliar places. Knowing the existing relationships between people and places in one setting can help provide insight into unfamiliar places. For example, if you know the role of local markets and their relationship to the community in one town, then you may be better able to predict their role in an unfamiliar place. By considering similar locations, their purpose, and the context of their importance, it helps to provide perspective when attempting to understand a new or unfamiliar setting.