A rural settlement pattern is a function of relief, climate, water supply and socio-economic factor.
It is broadly classified under the following patterns, such as Linear, Rectangular, Circular, Star like pattern etc.,
1. In a Linear settlement, houses are arranged along the either side of a road, railway line, river (or) canal,the edge of a valley,etc., E.g. the Himalayas the Alps, the Rockies.
2. The rectangular settlements are almost straight, meeting each other at right angles. Such a settlement is found in plain areas (or) inter montane plain. E.g. Sutlej.
3. Houses built around a central area are known as Circular pattern of settlements. Such settlement develop around lakes and tanks.
