Patterns of settlement

Settlements take on a range of shapes when they form. Dispersed, linear and nucleated are the most common.

Patterns of settlement

A dispersed pattern is where isolated buildings are spread out across an area, usually separated by a few hundred metres with no central focus. It is typically an area containing buildings rather than a single settlement. The population is sparsely distributed in a dispersed settlement. There are usually no services in a dispersed settlement.

Dispersed settlements usually occur in:

• remote or mountainous regions
• areas where the land is predominantly used for agriculture
• areas with limited job opportunities
• locations with few, if any, job opportunities

A linear settlement pattern occurs in a line or arc shape. They typically follow a road, valley or water body. This allows the settlement to utilise transport routes. They can also occur along valley floors where the sides are very steep.

A nucleated settlement occurs in a circular shape with buildings mainly concentrated around a common centre such as a road junction, park or service area. Most large cities are nucleated indicating they are well planned. Nucleation occurs due to:

• flat relief which is easy to build on
• the site has a bridging point
• the site is a good defensive position
• a good water supply
• no restrictions to development in any direction
• good job opportunities
• effective public services
• good transport links