New Geography in Action Junior Cycle Geography Situation of settlement
Situation refers to the area surrounding the settlement. The situation of a settlement can be influenced by a number of factors:
Nodal point
A nodal point is a location where different routes meet. It is also known as a route focus. These routes can be road networks, rail lines, rivers or canals.
People settled at nodal points and towns grew as a result. Example: Carlow
Bridging point on a river A bridging point is a place where it is easiest to cross a large river. People settled at bridging points and many towns and cities have built up around them. Example: Carrick-on-Suir
Coastal
Sheltered harbours, trade and fishing attracted people to coastal locations. People settled in these coastal areas and towns developed. Example: Bray
Relief Relief describes the height, the aspect and the slope of an area.
Most towns developed on low, flat, fertile land as it was easier to construct buildings and infrastructure. Low, flat, fertile land was also better for agriculture. Example: Kildare
Defence Defence refers to ways in which people protect themselves from attack.
Castles were often built by the Normans. People settled near these castles for protection. They were also attracted by the market places that developed near these castles. Example: Trim
ACT VITY
Some of the factors above are evident on the Ordnance Survey map opposite. Use the legend on page 7 and the skills you have developed to identify why the town of Castlebar developed at this location.
(i) What is a settlement? (ii) Name two factors affecting the site of a settlement. (iii) Name two factors affecting the situation of a settlement.
(iv) Why has your local town or city developed in its current location? Mention some of the factors you have learned about in this section.
/ I understand how site and situation have affected settlement. / I can identify site and situation factors on an Ordnance Survey map.
