Theory for eradication has been dominated by classical (i.e. non-spatial) approaches to understanding malaria transmission dynamics and control, and for setting thresholds for malaria elimination. Malaria eradication in the modern era will probably not be organized as a massive global campaign, but as a set of country-defined and country-led activities. Eliminating malaria and remaining malaria free require managing imported malaria. A new spatially rich theory is needed to help set priorities and coordinate efforts regionally: what is the optimal way to "stage" eradication through spatially progressive elimination. Here, I present mathematical theory and data describing the spatial dynamics and control of malaria.