Settlement Geography Notes

Chapter 1: The Study of Settlements

Key Questions

• What is a settlement?

• Why are settlements located on certain sites?

• How do you describe the difference between the site and situation of a settlement?

Key Word

• Settlement: A place where a group of people live. This includes the buildings, infrastructure, and activities that support the community.

Settlement Geography

Settlement geography studies the site, situation, size, complexity, pattern, and function of human settlements in the past, present, and future. It aims to understand the spatial distribution and characteristics of settlements and their impact on the environment and human activities.

Unit 1: The Concepts of Settlement, Site, and Situation

1.1 The Concept of Settlement

Before the last ice age ended 12,000 years ago, humans were hunters and gatherers, constantly moving. Domestication of animals and cultivation of crops allowed people to settle. This transition marks a significant shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities.

A settlement is a grouping of people, activities, and buildings.

A settlement is a place where:

• A group of people lives.

• Infrastructure exists, including roads, utilities, and communication networks.

• Buildings occur, serving various functions such as residential, commercial, and public services.

• Social and economic activities happen, ranging from employment and trade to education and recreation.

A settlement can range from a village to a city, operating as a single integrated system daily. The size and complexity of a settlement influence its functions and interactions.

1.2 The Site of a Settlement

The site is the actual place where a settlement grew. Many factors influence the choice of a site. Site factors explain why a settlement was built in a certain place rather than somewhere else nearby.

Factors that can influence the site of a settlement:

• Physical factors: Availability of water (rivers, springs, groundwater), fertile soil for agriculture, and grazing land for livestock.

• Economic factors: Availability of valuable minerals for mining, proximity to resources, and potential for trade.

• Trade and transport factors: Availability of a natural harbor or river crossing, strategic location for transportation networks.

• Cultural or social factors: Building new towns away from congested, polluted urban settlements to improve living conditions, attract light industries, have easy traffic flow, and provide easy access to facilities, community preferences, and cultural heritage.

• Political factors: Government policies can influence settlement sites, such as housing projects, planned communities, and strategic settlements.

• Historical factors: Defensive sites to protect from invaders, locations with historical significance, and the presence of existing infrastructure.

1.3 The Situation of a Settlement

The situation is a settlement's location in relation to its surrounding features like soil, climate, other settlements, rivers, geology, and vegetation. These features influence the activities carried out in the settlement. Some settlements can have a poor site but an advantageous situation. For example, Kimberley was established on a poor site, but its situation was advantageous due to the discovery of diamonds. The situation of a settlement can provide access to resources, markets, and transportation routes that enhance its growth and sustainability.

Unit 2: Rural and Urban Settlements

The agricultural and industrial revolutions led to improved farming methods, creating food surpluses. This allowed some people to do non-farming activities, leading to the growth of towns and cities. As a result, two different types of settlement emerged: rural and urban.

2.1 How do rural and urban settlements differ?

Settlements are classified as urban or rural according to their size. Rural settlements are small in physical size and population, while urban settlements are larger. However, there are exceptions. Some large rural settlements may have populations exceeding those of small urban areas.

Economic Activity and Function

Rural settlements are usually unifunctional, mainly involved in primary activities like farming, mining, fishing, or forestry. The economy of rural areas is heavily dependent on natural resources.

Urban settlements are predominantly multifunctional and have a wide variety of functions. People are involved in secondary (manufacturing), tertiary (trade, transport, education, service, administration), and quaternary (law, finance, media, research, IT) activities. Urban economies are more diversified and driven by innovation and technology.

Services

In rural settlements, services such as high schools, universities, hospitals, shopping malls, and public transport are limited. Access to basic services may be challenging due to distance and limited infrastructure.

Unit 3: Settlement Identification - Size and Complexity, Pattern, and Function

Geographers study the morphology, size, complexity, and function of settlements to classify them and understand why they look the way they do and how their function has developed. This understanding helps in urban and regional planning.

3.1 Size and Complexity

Settlements range from simple to complex. The simplest is an isolated farmstead, while a metropolis is more complex with various buildings, complex infrastructure, a larger population, and many social and economic activities. The complexity of a settlement is reflected in its social, economic, and political systems.

3.2 Pattern

The pattern of a settlement is either nucleated or dispersed. Urban settlements display a nucleated pattern, while isolated rural settlements show a dispersed pattern. The pattern is influenced by factors such as topography, land ownership, and social organization.

3.3 Function

All settlements have a function related to economic and social development, determining their main activities. The function is often related to the site, reasons for existence, and how inhabitants make a living. The function of a settlement can evolve over time due to changing economic and social conditions.

Unit 4: How Site and Situation Affect the Location of Rural Settlements

The location of a rural settlement is determined by the advantages of the site and its situation in relation to the surrounding area. Factors include:

• Physical factors: Water supply, water avoidance, farming factors, building material, energy resources, microclimates, and relief. These factors directly impact the feasibility and sustainability of rural activities.

• Economic factors: Fertile soil, grazing land, natural harbor, fishing grounds, and tourist attractions. Economic factors influence the livelihoods and economic opportunities available in rural areas.

Unit 5: Classification of Rural Settlements - Pattern, Function, and Reasons for Different Shapes

A rural settlement's function is associated with primary activities, influencing the pattern and shape of the settlement. Patterns are affected by physical, political, and cultural factors.

Factors influencing settlement pattern include:

• Physical: Rainfall, hilly area, fertile area. Physical features shape the layout and density of rural settlements.

• Social/cultural: Agricultural system, religion. Social and cultural practices dictate the spatial organization and community structure.

• Political: War, government type. Political factors can lead to the clustering or dispersal of settlements for security or administrative purposes.

Unit 6: Land Use in Rural Settlements

Land use depends on the function and type of primary activities. Land use examples include dwellings, storage structures, grazing land, roads, cultivated lands, and stock pens. The allocation of land reflects the economic and social priorities of the community.

Unit 7: Rural-Urban Migration

Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural to urban areas. The main reason is greater opportunities for employment and lifestyle in urban areas. This leads to rural depopulation and urbanization. Migration patterns reshape the demographic landscape and have significant socio-economic consequences.

Unit 8: Causes and Consequences of Rural Depopulation

Rural depopulation occurs due to lack of investment, few jobs, low wages, loss of jobs due to mechanization, lack of services, extreme conditions, lack of capital, decrease in soil fertility, lack of land ownership, and natural disasters. These factors combine to push residents towards urban centers.

The consequences of rural depopulation include:

• Underused resources.

• Decreased spending in service centers.

• Closure of services.

• Impact on family units.

• Increased crime.

• Increased unemployment.

• Low property values.

Unit 9: A Case Study That Illustrates the Effects of Rural Depopulation and Strategies to Address These Effects

Strategies to address rural depopulation:

• Supply basic needs.

• Facilitate job creation.

• Provide quality training and education.

• Manage natural resources sustainably.

• Maintain sturdy infrastructure.

The South African government has implemented various rural development strategies, including:

• Counter-urbanization.

• Decentralization.

• Agricultural planning.

• Basic needs philosophy.

• Integrated Rural Development.

Unit 10: Social Justice Issues in Rural Areas - Access to Resources and Land Reform

Social justice involves meeting basic human needs regardless of differences. Issues include:

• Limited access to resources.

• Socio-economic factors.

• Physical factors.

• Access to primary healthcare.

• HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis (TB).

• Rural infrastructure.

• Access to water and electricity.

Land reform aims to correct past injustices, achieve equitable land distribution, reduce poverty, provide tenure security, and increase black commercial farmers. Land reform policies play a crucial role in addressing historical inequalities.

Unit 11: The Origin and Development of Urban Settlements - Urbanisation of the World's Population

What is Urbanization?

Urbanization is the process in which an increasing proportion of a country's population is concentrated in urban areas.

Origin of Urban Settlements

The first urban settlements were established in Mesopotamia about 6000 years ago. These settlements became centers of trade, administration, religion, and defense. The rise of urban centers marked the beginning of complex societies.

Development of the World's Urban Settlements

The Industrial Revolution changed the economy and appearance of towns and cities. Today, urban settlements are based on service activities like finance, tourism, and IT. Post-industrial cities are characterized by knowledge-based economies and global connectivity.

World Urbanisation Trends

In most countries, there is an increasing number of people living in urban areas, which is called urban growth. By 2030, 75% of the world's population will be urban. The rapid pace of urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development.

Unit 12: How Site and Situation Influence the Location of Urban Settlements

Factors Influencing the Location of Urban Settlements

The location of urban settlements is influenced by:

• Physical environment.

• Social factors.

• Political factors.

• Economic factors.

• Transport routes.

Unit 13: Classification of Urban Settlements According to Function

Functions of Urban Settlements

Urban settlements perform functions such as retail, entertainment, social, health, political, religious, transportation, manufacturing, administrative, public services, recreational, business services, military/defense, education, cultural, economic, financial, trade, and media. The diverse functions of urban centers contribute to their dynamism and complexity.

Types of Urban Settlement According to Function

Urban settlements can be classified as central places, trade and transport cities, break-of-bulk points, specialized cities, junction towns, and gateway towns. Each type of urban settlement plays a unique role in the regional and global economy.

Unit 14: Urban Hierarchies - Important Concepts

Urban Hierarchy

An urban hierarchy is a system of ranking urban settlements according to size and functions.

Central Place Theory

Central place theory explains the number, location, size, spacing, and functions of urban settlements. The main ideas are convenience, cheapest price, profit maximization, and minimizing travel costs. Central place theory provides a framework for understanding the spatial distribution of economic activities.

Important Concepts

Important concepts linked to central place theory include:

• Central place.

• Threshold population.

• Sphere of influence.

• Range of goods.

Unit 15: Internal Structure and Patterns of Urban Settlements

Land Use Zones and the Urban Profile

A land use zone is an area within an urban settlement where one particular function or activity is dominant. The urban profile is the vertical shape of an urban settlement. Land use patterns reflect the economic, social, and historical forces shaping the city.

Unit 16: Models of Urban Structure

Geographical Models

Geographers use models to explain what happens in the real world.

Multiple Nuclei Model

The multiple nuclei model suggests cities have more than one center. Certain activities attract people and related businesses, forming a specific land use zone. This model recognizes the complexity and decentralization of modern urban areas.

Modern American/Western City

The modern American/Western city model displays characteristics such as multi-centeredness, spread-out areas, transport dependence, decentralization, segregation, and megalopolises. The model highlights the impact of suburbanization and automobile dependence on urban form.

The 'Third World' City

Cities in the developing world have been influenced by different historical periods, including the indigenous/pre-colonial era, colonial era, and post-colonial era. These cities often exhibit a mix of formal and informal sectors, and rapid urbanization.

The South African City

South African cities reflect their colonial and apartheid past. Land use now depends on income, not race. However, the legacy of spatial inequalities continues to shape urban development.

Unit 17: Changing Urban Patterns and Land Use in South African Cities

Why Urban Patterns and Land Use Change: Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces

Centripetal forces attract people and businesses to the city center. Centrifugal forces drive people and businesses away from the city center. These forces shape the dynamics of urban growth and decline.

Changing Urban Patterns and Land Use: Some Examples of Urban Renewal

Urban renewal is the modification of land or buildings to improve their use, often involving invasion and succession. Urban renewal projects aim to revitalize blighted areas and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Unit 18: Recent Urbanisation Patterns and Issues Related to Rapid Urbanisation in South Africa

Recent Urbanisation Patterns in South Africa

Approximately 66% of South Africans live in urban settlements. South Africa is an urbanizing country.

Urban Issues Related to Rapid Urbanisation

Rapid urbanisation can lead to challenges such as:

• Lack of planning.

• Housing shortage.

• Overcrowding.

• Traffic congestion.

• Problems with service provision.

• Pollution.

• Urban decay.

Improving City Space

To create livable cities, urban planners need to focus on planning healthier and greener cities, linking growth with environmental protection, effective transportation, preserving open spaces, and making cities sustainable. Sustainable urban development is essential for ensuring the well-being of future generations.

Unit 19: The Growth of Informal Settlements and Associated Issues

Growth of Informal Settlements and Associated Issues

An informal settlement is an unplanned residential area of self-built dwellings constructed on land without legal claim.

Residents face issues such as:

• Exposure to extreme weather.

• Flooding.

• Fires.

• Lack of services.

• Crime.