Name any five types of rural settlement patterns developed in different parts of the world. Write their typical features.

Rural settlements are those where people primarily belonging to the agricultural and other sectors like lumbering, mining etc., live in clusters or groups. The following are some of the types of rural settlement patterns developed in different parts of the world.

a. Linear pattern

b. Rectangular pattern

c. Circular pattern

d. Star-like pattern

e. Double village pattern and

f. T-Shaped, Y-Shaped and cross-shaped pattern.

a. Linear Pattern:

In this type of settlement, houses are arranged on either side of the road, railway track, river or canal. The topography and terrain are the factors that influence settlement pattern in hilly areas while flood level determines the linear pattern along the riverside.

b. Rectangular pattern:

The rectangular pattern of settlements have straight lanes and meet each other at right angles. These settlements can be seen in fertile plains. Most of the rural settlements have this rectangular pattern.

c. Circular pattern:

This circular pattern settlement is generally found along the coastal areas. People who earn their livelihood by activities like fishing construct their houses near the coastal areas. These houses acquire a circular or semi-circular pattern.

d. Star-like pattern:

In the star-like settlements, houses can be seen spreading out from all directions along the sides of the road.

e. Triangular pattern:

The triangular pattern of rural settlements can be seen at the points where rivers meet. The expansion of houses are constrained by the rivers and hence the triangular pattern of the settlements can be seen.

Thus, rural settlements acquire their pattern based on the topography and occupation of the people.