Block 4 Human Settlements

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GLOSSARY
Behavioural Theories of : It explain the existing patterns of settlements
Settlements in a region.

Compact settlement : The houses are close to each other and

inter-building spaces are small.

Dispersed Settlement : Buildings are spread over a large area, and

inter-building spaces are large.

Dry-point settlements : These are the sites that avoided the risk of
flooding. For example, in marshy areas,
higher ground that is little away from water
body can prove to be a favourable site.

Ekistics : The scientific study of human settlements,

drawing from several disciplines, including
architecture, city planning and social
sciences.

Morphology of settlements : It refers to the layout or the internal structure

of the settlement.

Neolithic Period : The stage or cultural evolution or

technological development characterised by
the use of stone tools and the existence of
settled villages dependent on domesticated
plants and animals.

Normative Theories of : Normative theories of settlements are not

Settlements concerned about the existing patterns rather
attempt to define an ideal system of
settlements.
Patterns of settlements : It means the geometrical shape that the
houses in a settlement acquire. Pattern can
be- linear, rectangular, square, circular,
amorphous, T-shape, L-shaped, star-
shaped etc.
Site : It refers to the actual location of the village. It
is related to the physical surrounding.
Situation : It refers to the culture, economy and political
set-up of the settlement. Therefore, situation
covers the socio-economic aspects of the
settlement.
Spur-line settlements : Settlements those are located in valleys in
mountainous and hilly areas.

Types of settlements : It refers to the nearness of the houses in an

82 area. There are four types- compact, semi-
compact, dispersed and farmstead.
Unit
Block 164 HumanUrbanisation
Settlements
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Wet-point settlements : These are the sites close to a supply of
water. For example, in desert areas, oasis or
any other source of water acts as a
favourable site for settlement.

Megalopolis : It is defined by its poly-nuclear characteristic,

where, large cities are joined by a continuous
chain or complex of cities.

Conurbation : The term invented by Patrick Geddes to

describe constellations of cities sprawling
together.

The Central Business District : It is the central area of the city. In common
parlance, it is known as the “downtown”. It
is primarily characterised by retailing of
goods and services, office activities and
major service providences.

Slum : UN-HABITAT defines a slum household as a

group of individuals living under the same
roof in an urban area who lack one or more
of the following: (i) Durable housing of a
permanent nature; (ii) Sufficient living
space; (iii) Easy access to safe water in
sufficient amounts at an affordable price;
(iv) Access to adequate sanitation; (v)
Security of tenure.

City Region : It is that region which has functional links

with the city, the major functions being work,
dwelling, recreation and transport.

Rural-Urban Fringe : It is the transitional zone in which the

influence of the urban centre decreases
categorically, while the rural characteristics
take over.

Urban Sprawl : It refers to the pace of land conversion to

urban use and magnitude of areal expansion
of the city.

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