The phrase "spatial scales" refers to different levels of size or extent in physical space. It is used to describe how things are organized or measured across various distances or areas. Full definition
Opportunity for selection in southern elephant seals: the effect of spatial scale of analysis. (eleseal.org)
So if you want to understand the average behavior of that system you need to sample at a much larger spatial scale over larger time intervals than was previously appreciated. (newscenter.lbl.gov)
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether trends exist in such events as tornadoes, hail, lightning and dust storms which occur at small spatial scales. (ipcc.ch)