# From (algebraic) topology to geometry

I am thinking about a "correct" didactic way of linking topology (algebraic topology) to geometry. Usually, we are taught introducing geometry first, then topology, almost as an abstraction of geometry.

So how can we link back?

For example, when we have a chain complex, how can we introduce formally an affine space and have this complex endowed with geometric features?

Cheers & Thanks!

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"Abstraction of geometry": isn't it a good description of "topology"? –  Did Feb 4 '13 at 14:43
Given a chain complex of finite rank abelian groups, you can build a CW complex that has this as its cellular homology. Just let generators of your groups correspond to cells, and attach them via maps that come from the boundary operator in the chain complex. I'm not sure if this is what you are after. –  Grumpy Parsnip Feb 4 '13 at 14:45
Following up on Did's comment, you can make an argument that point-set topology is somewhat inspired by analysis, trying to generalize the notion of "convergence". –  Isaac Solomon Feb 4 '13 at 15:06
Yes @Did, I usually introduce topology as an abstraction of geometry, but in everything that I introduce I never look back. –  senseiwa Feb 4 '13 at 15:13
@JimConant you suggest to map C_p(G) (sorry, I don't know how to type mathematically in commments) to, say, a simplicial complex? If so, shouldn't it suffice to introduce a map between C_0(G) to K_0? –  senseiwa Feb 4 '13 at 15:17

This functor has the very nice property to be a left ajoint to the singular functor $S$ which associates to any topological space, its singular chain complex.
$$\mathrm{Hom}_{\mathrm{Top}} (|X|, Y) = \mathrm{Hom}_{\mathrm{Ch}}(X, SY)$$