Geography Rural and Urban Settlement Revision

These flashcards cover key concepts related to rural and urban settlements, including definitions and descriptions essential for understanding the subject.

Nucleated settlement

A type of settlement where buildings and homes are clustered closely together.

Dispersed settlement

A settlement pattern where buildings and homes are spread out over a wide area.

Rural settlement

Communities or areas located in the countryside, often characterized by a low population density.

Urban settlement

A settlement characterized by higher population density and vast human-built features in comparison to areas surrounding it.

Round shape

A settlement shape where buildings are arranged in a circular pattern.

Linear shape

A settlement shape that forms a line, often along transportation routes.

Crossroad shape

A settlement configuration where roads intersect, often leading to a central hub.

Rural-urban migration

The movement of people from rural areas to urban centers for various socio-economic reasons.

Push factor

A factor that compels individuals to leave their current location, such as lack of jobs or services.

Pull factor

A factor that attracts individuals to a new location, such as better employment opportunities or living conditions.

Land restitution

The process of restoring land to individuals or communities wrongfully deprived of it, often due to discriminatory laws.

Land redistribution

The reallocation of land from those who own large estates to those who own little to no land, often aimed at correcting social inequalities.

Land tenure reform

Changes made to the laws and policies governing land ownership and usage to improve or secure land rights.

Site

The physical characteristics of a location where a settlement is established, including resources and geography.

Situation

The relationship between a settlement and its surrounding environment, including its accessibility and connections.

Central place town

A town that provides goods and services to the surrounding rural areas.

Break of bulk town

A settlement that develops at a point where goods are transferred from one form of transport to another.

Junction town

A town located where two or more transport routes intersect.

Gap town

A settlement located in a physical barrier, such as a mountain pass.

Urban hierarchy

A ranking of settlements based on the size of their population and the number of services they provide.

Threshold population

The minimum population required to make a service viable in a specific area.

Sphere of influence

The area surrounding a settlement from which it draws customers or users of its services.

Range

The maximum distance a consumer is willing to travel to purchase a good or service.

Land-use zone

A designated area within a city where specific types of activities are permitted, such as residential, industrial, or commercial.

Urban profile

A vertical representation showing the heights and structure of buildings in an urban area.

Traffic congestion

A condition characterized by slower speeds and increased vehicle density on roads, resulting in delays.

Urban decay

The process by which a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair and neglect.

Overcrowding

A situation where an area has more inhabitants than it can adequately support or manage, leading to deterioration in living conditions.