Looking at the OS map segment of Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, use six-figure grid referencing to identify an example of:
95 95
1. Dispersed settlement 2. Linear settlement 3. Nucleated settlement.
94 27 28 29 30 31 3294 Urban Settlement
Urban settlement refers to settlement in towns and cities. There are a number of factors that influence the location of urban settlement. Flat or gently sloping land
Where transport routes (road, rail, other) meet
Bridging points on rivers Coastal locations
Flat or gently sloping land is favourable for the construction of buildings and roads.
Villages, towns and cities can develop at the point where transport routes meet. These are called nodal points or route focus points. These types of place may encourage the development of trade.
There has to be a bridge where rivers and roads meet. In the past, bridges were very expensive to construct so roads would converge where one existed. This made areas surrounding bridges attractive locations to begin settlement.
Ports developed at settlement points along the coast to allow trading. This can provide jobs and encourage further settlement.