The function of a settlement refers to the economic or social activities which are predominant in the area. This is also referred to as land use. The function of a settlement can also help us to identify if the area is rural or urban. There are four main types of functions in a settlement
Commercial
The city centre is the main hub of activity where many business and government services are found. This area is well-connected by roads which lead to the centre and is highly populated at least during business hours.
Residential
On maps these can be identified by squares or rectangles that represent buildings. Certain physical and human features such as dams, parks, hospitals, police stations and schools are indicators that an area is residential in its function.
Agricultural
Different symbols and colours are used to denote various types of vegetation. This can indicate if the area is predominantly involved in farming. For example, on maps large areas sectioned off for sugar cane, rice or other types of crops most likely means that is a an agricultural community.
Recreational
Parks, open spaces and areas of interest such as nature trails and other tourist attractions show that are area is used primarily for leisure activities. These are often found at the edges of urban areas where land prices are lower. Symbols on maps usually indicate what specific activities take place within recreational areas.
Practice 1: In the map of London below, identify areas that are recreational, residential and industrial using the eight point compass. Use your notebooks to write your answers.
Commercial
The city centre is the main hub of activity where many business and government services are found. This area is well-connected by roads which lead to the centre and is highly populated at least during business hours.
Residential
On maps these can be identified by squares or rectangles that represent buildings. Certain physical and human features such as dams, parks, hospitals, police stations and schools are indicators that an area is residential in its function.
Agricultural
Different symbols and colours are used to denote various types of vegetation. This can indicate if the area is predominantly involved in farming. For example, on maps large areas sectioned off for sugar cane, rice or other types of crops most likely means that is a an agricultural community.
Recreational
Parks, open spaces and areas of interest such as nature trails and other tourist attractions show that are area is used primarily for leisure activities. These are often found at the edges of urban areas where land prices are lower. Symbols on maps usually indicate what specific activities take place within recreational areas.
Practice 1: In the map of London below, identify areas that are recreational, residential and industrial using the eight point compass. Use your notebooks to write your answers.
Practice 2 : In the map below, use the eight point compass to describe areas where sugar cane, banana, citrus and coffee are grown. Use your notebooks to write your answers
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