What Is a Settlement Pattern?

Linear

• In a linear settlement pattern, the buildings are arranged in lines. These lines often follow the route of a road or body of water. Linear settlements tend to develop because of the convenience of proximity with a transport route.

Dispersed

• In a dispersed settlement pattern, the buildings are scattered over a wide area. Dispersed settlement patterns are often associated with agricultural activity and are frequently surrounded by farmland.

Nucleated

• In a nucleated settlement pattern, the buildings are grouped around a central core. In England, this core is often a village green or church. Nucleated settlement patterns are usually associated with patterns of agriculture in which the settlement is surrounded by two or three fields, and each field divided into strips that were farmed by individual farmers.