Settlement patterns describe how people arrange where they live in an area. These patterns can take different forms depending on the landscape and needs of the people. Common types include clustered, dispersed, and linear patterns.

Clustered settlements group buildings close together, often near water or resources. Dispersed settlements spread homes across a wider area, while linear settlements follow roads or rivers. These patterns appear in both rural and urban regions.

Settlement patterns are studied in geography using maps and land data. They change over time as populations grow or environments change.