Settlement processes and patterns essay

Settlement form relates more to the spatial characteristics of individual settlement. However, sometimes forms and patterns are used interchangeably. But here we will discuss about the patterns only. As far as type of rural settlements is concerned, it implies the degree of dispersion of the dwellings.

Each form and design is shaped by the character of the society at the time. Few cities that thrived with great cultures began with a plan. They developed by a process of accretion; the growth was irregular, responsive to the changes in the habits of people and dynamic in character. They began as free cities settled voluntarily.

Elongated Pattern: Such settlement occurs as a result of elongationof the rectangular pattern due to influence of site features. For instance,in the Ganga plains, in areas liable to inundation, the rectangular patternbecomes unusually elongated along the high ground. Even otherwisethe advantage offered by riverside location forces such a pattern.

Settlement Patterns Settlement patterns Settlement patterns are settlements cluster in various shapes and sizes. Dispersed Settlements A dispersed settlement refers to the scattering of houses over a large area. Occur in rural areas Develop in hilly areas, extensive flatlands or rolling plains