Rural settlement patterns

Rural settlement patterns

1. Aspects of settlement patterns

   • Horizontal:
     • Spacing of settlements; even, regular, random
   • Vertical:
     • The settlement hierarchy and its functions
   • Individual settlement shape:
     • e.g. linear, nucleated and dispersed

2. Factors affecting the development and placement of Rural areas

   • Physical:
     • Climate
     • Relief
     • Drainage
     • Soil type
     • Vegetation
     • Water supply
     • Rock type
   • Economic:
     • Transport - density and types of routes
     • Accessiblity to large urban areas
     • Ability to outbid for sites
     • Size of site available
     • Mutual attraction/ repulsion- pig farms and residential
     • Availability of raw materials - e.g. sand and shovel/ crops
   • Social:
     • Mutual attraction/ repulsion
     • Historical - conservation
     • Population size, type and characteristics
     • Religious factors
   • Political:
     • Planning controls- national parks/ nature reserves
     • Controls on farming
     • Government uses - e.g. military ranges