Question

Describe linear settlements ___________.
A. Narrow in shape
B. Spread along a straight line
C. Along roads
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Linear settlements are typically small to medium-sized settlements or groups of buildings, with most of these settlements having some form of transport route, such as roads, rivers, or canals, due to physical limitations such as coastlines, hills, mountains, valleys etc.

Complete Answer: Linear settlement patterns come from the obvious straight element. These could be natural features, political boundaries, or man-made travel lines. Although the initial development of linear settlements may be focused on a single specific object, the presence of more than one structural element seems to be required to maintain the original pattern. Linear settlements may not have an obvious center, such as a road junction. They are long and narrow in shape and they are spread along a straight line. They are seen alongside railways, rivers, roads, etc. Mileham, UK is a prime example of this. Later development could add crossroads and districts away from the original main street. Southport in England has developed as a linear settlement. The advantages of this type of settlement are the easy access to transportation, the area is well connected and full of people, it develops a common water source etc. However the disadvantages are that in the event of fire it is prone to spread, it gets polluted easily, and the security level is low.
Thus, the right answer is Option D All of the above.

Note: In India linear settlements are found in coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, the villages of Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch, and others south of Rajasthan to the province of Surat.