
Factors That Influence Settlement Patterns
- 1 Physical Environment. One of the most basic factors affecting settlement patterns is the physical geography of the...
- 2 Transportation Systems. Settlement patterns have always been affected by the technology available to settlers, and...
- 3 Economic Concerns. Economics often drive settlers to seek opportunity in new places,...
What factors affect settlement patterns?
Factors That Influence Settlement Patterns. Settlement patterns are the ways in which human settlements are distributed across the earth’s land, including the locations of cities, towns and even individual homes. Where people settle is determined by a wide range of factors related to both nature and human society.
What determines where people settle?
Where people settle is determined by a wide range of factors related to both nature and human society. Examining the reasons behind different settlement patterns is an important part of understanding the geography of the world we live in. One of the most basic factors affecting settlement patterns is the physical geography of the land.
What attracts people to settle in cities?
1 A lot of settlements are located near natural resources that are necessary for people’s livelihood. 2 For example water, minerals, wood, fertile soil and grass. 3 Water is a very important resource that attracts settlement. More items...
Why did settlers move to the west in the 1800s?
In the 1800s, the American West and other parts of the world saw settlements spring up along the newly built railroads, and today highways and roads form an even bigger factor. Economics often drive settlers to seek opportunity in new places, creating their own settlements or increasing the size of existing ones.

What are the factors that influence the location of settlements?
Several factors influence the location of settlements. These can be divided into four: historical factors. accessibility. availability of resources; and. human preferences and available technology. Historical Factors. Include historical considerations including the desire to build settlements on defensive grounds.
What factors affect the position of present settlement patterns and their locations?
Include historical considerations including the desire to build settlements on defensive grounds. Factors of legislation and land tenure also affect the position of present settlement patterns and their locations. For example most settlements were located on higher ground which was easier to defend.
Why were river bends and pronounced meanders important to European settlements?
In European settlements river bends and pronounced meanders formed important settlements as they were favored as defensive sites.
What are settlements now being planned according to?
Settlements are now being planned according to human preferences and desires.
What are the factors that influence settlement patterns?
Accessibility. The need to communicate with other areas for trade and travel purposes is another important factor that influences settlement patterns. Settlements are often located along transport routes and communication lines. These may be roads, railway lines or water routes.
Where are settlements located?
A lot of settlements are located near natural resources that are necessary for people’s livelihood.
What act influenced the settlement of Zimbabwe?
Much of the settlement in Zimbabwe especially in communal areas are hugely influenced by the Land Apportionment Act of 1930.
What factors were taken into account when establishing settlements in the past?
Factors such as water supply, defence, quality of soil, building materials, climate, shelter and defence were all taken into consideration when establishing settlements in the past. The situation of a settlement is the description of the settlement in relation to physical features around it and other settlements.
What is a settlement?
A settlement is a place where people live. It can range in size from an isolated dwelling to a million city. The site of a settlement is the location where it is built. It describes the physical nature of where a settlement is located. Factors such as water supply, defence, quality of soil, building materials, climate, ...
