The geometry of a complex affects the number of IR active vibrational modes. By carrying out a full vibrational analysis of a proposed structure, one can determine the number of IR active (and Raman active) vibrational modes. This indicates the number of bands that will be seen in the IR spectrum (and Raman spectrum). By comparing the experimentally obtained IR spectrum (and Raman spectrum) with the result obtained for the analysis, one can determine whether or not the proposed geometry is correct - it is trial and error.
For structure determination in this way, IR and Raman spectroscopy are used to compliment each other because a particular geometry will give a particular number of IR and Raman bands, a particular numer of which will be coincident. It will also determine the number of polarised Raman bands.
Books:
JM Hollas - Modern Spectroscopy
K Nakamodo - Infrared and Raman spectroscopy in inorganic and coordination compounds