5.2 Settlement Patterns and Survey Methods

Clustered/nucleated settlement: The AMSCO textbook states, "Throughout history, rural residents commonly lived in clustered, or nucleated settlements. These settlements had groups of homes located near each other in a village and fostered a strong sense of place and often shared of services, such as schools" (5.2). 

The satellite image to the right depicts a clustered settlement. All the homes are grouped together. There is a school also. 

Dispersed settlements: The AMSCO textbook states, "dispersed settlements, patterns in which farmers lived in homes spread throughout the countryside" (5.2). 

The satellite image to the right depicts a dispersed settlement. The homes are spread out.

Linear Settlements: The AMSCO textbook states, "Another rural settlement pattern is a linear settlement, in which buildings and human activities are organized close to a body of water or along a transportation route" (5.2).

The satellite image to the right depicts a linear settlement built close to a body of water.