Theories of settlement patterns

Settlement patterns are the ways people choose to establish communities and arrange their homes and services in a particular area. These patterns are influenced by factors such as geography, availability of resources, transportation routes, and economic activities. For example, villages may develop near water sources or fertile land, while cities often grow along trade routes for easier transportation. Understanding these patterns helps explain why settlements are spaced apart or clustered together and how they've changed over time. Essentially, settlement patterns reflect the relationship between people and their environment, balancing practicality, resources, and connectivity.