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,➡️ The study of settlements
, Chapter 1: The study of settlements CH1
Grade 12 | Geography
Settlement geography → study of the site, situation, size, complexity, pattern + function of human settlements in the past, present + future
The concepts of settlement, site and situation
The concept of settlement
➔ Humans lived as hunters + gatherers → constantly moving in search of food
➔ Domestication of sheep, goats, cattle + cultivation of wheat, rice, maize → enabled people to settle + remain in one place
📖 Settlement - place where group of people live
Settlement is a place where:
1. Group of people live
2. Infrastructure exists
3. Buildings occur
4. Social + economic activities happen
Main criteria of settlement: operates as a single integrated system on a regular basis
The site of a settlement
Site → place where settlement is built
Site factors → explain why a settlement was built in that particular area
Factors that influence the site of a settlement:
1. Physical factors: availability of resources (water, fertile soil, grazing)
2. Economic factors: availability of valuable minerals that can be mined
3. Trade + transport factors: availability of a natural harbour or the crossing point of a large river
4. Cultural or social factors: new towns built away from existing urban settlements that are congested, polluted + overpopulated
These are designed to:
➢ Improve living conditions + lifestyles of people
➢ Attract light industries to provide employment
➢ Have road networks that allow easy traffic flow
➢ Provide easy access to schools, clinics, shops + other facilities
5. Political factors: government policies can influence the site
➔ Government of SA has created new settlements due to the need for housing
Chapter 1: The study of settlements 1