What is settlement structure?

A settlement structure refers to the arrangement of buildings and other physical structures in a settlement or community. Settlement structures are usually arranged in a way that depends on several factors, including historical circumstances, cultural practices, environmental conditions, and economic activities.

In general, there are four types of settlement structure: dispersed, linear, clustered, and nucleated. A dispersed settlement is characterized by widely scattered buildings and houses, often separated by large areas of open space. Linear settlements are long, narrow, and usually situated along a transportation route like a road, river, or railway. In clustered settlements, buildings and houses are grouped closely together around a central point, while nucleated settlements are characterized by a central cluster of buildings surrounded by open space.

Other factors that can contribute to the settlement structure include the availability of resources like water and soil, the topography of the area, and the cultural and religious beliefs of the residents. Settlement structures can also change over time as a result of technological advancements, urbanization, and migration.