Settlement Patterns Research Articles

Prehistoric communities in the Bayuda Desert, Sudan

Abstract Large-scale field research is providing extensive data on the prehistoric settlement history of the Bayuda Desert in Sudan. The authors briefly examine notable outputs from the project, including some of the more than 100 radiocarbon dates that permit a more nuanced understanding of the chronology of settlement pattern changes.

Settlement patterns and temporal successions of coral reef cryptic communities affect diversity assessments using autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS)

Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) are used worldwide to assess cryptic diversity, especially on coral reefs. They were developed as standardised tools, yet conditions of deployment, such as immersion duration and/or deployment and retrieval seasons, vary among studies. Here we studied temporal and seasonal variability in coral reef cryptic communities sampled with 15 ARMS on a single coral reef slope site at Reunion Island, Southwest Indian Ocean. Settlement patterns and temporal succession of Eukaryote communities were investigated across three immersion times (6 months, 1 year, 2 years), two immersion seasons (hot vs. cool) and three fractions (500–2000 μm, 106–500 μm, sessile) using two genetic markers (18S, COI). Both markers detected different taxa with different resolutions, but broadly similar patterns of community composition and structure. While OTU diversity of communities did not change with immersion time and season, these parameters significantly affected community structure and composition. Our results showed a decrease of the similarity of ARMS communities with duration of immersion, and a strong temporal turnover of species with only a small proportion of the diversity persisting over time. The small proportion of OTUs assigned at phylum level highlights the uniqueness of the Mascarene cryptobiome.

Place-based regional planning: shaping governance, planning policy and practices in a South African region, 1994–2022

ABSTRACT The governance of regions is activated through actors and institutions representing diverse interests. Using place-based planning, this paper reviews local planning in South Africa drawing upon a case study of the iLembe District. We argue that region building is constructed through economic and political forces, currently blocked by poor relationships between the state, civil society, business, and inter-governmental complexities. The study uses empirical evidence on the regional conditions of the iLembe District and associated municipalities, reviews of planning documents and legislation, and interviews with key stakeholders. The authors argue that the local planning framework is ineffectual, lacking strategic direction, and primarily servicing provincial and nationally derived compliance requirements, rather than meeting strategic developmental objectives. Most recently, the global pandemic emphasized interlinked vulnerabilities and weak linkages associated with globalisation and sustainable development, particularly with global supply and value chains, health systems, settlement patterns, energy production and food security. We argue for a new form of collaborative regional planning and governance framework which could be laid through a “learning region” approach as identified in the place-based literature. An example is unlocking green energy production as a value addition to the established but crisis-laden sugar industry in the case study.

Analysis of Building Distribution and Accessibility of Kanigoro Urban Roads

The Kanigoro Settlement Area's land is mostly utilized for residential and agricultural purposes. Modifications to the city's construction and development are necessary to turn Kanigoro into a sustainable urban region, particularly in the field of urban morphological pattern development. City or area morphology may be analyzed using three primary components: building density, land use patterns, and road network patterns. This research aims to investigate the urban morphology pattern in Kanigoro Urban Area, focusing on road accessibility and building dispersion. In order to accomplish this goal, land use and building distribution were identified using satellite image data from 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, along with questionnaire data on residential location selection. The findings demonstrate that elongated patterns dominate settlement patterns in Kanigoro, with group patterns and the main road network following closely behind. Kinship and historical factors also play a role in this pattern. During the study, there was a notable increase in settlement growth, particularly on main transportation routes. The population density analysis shows that there is a concentration of population in the city center and some rapidly developing residential areas as a result of this rapid settlement growth. According to the road accessibility analysis, most areas are served by arterial roads, but there are still some areas with limited accessibility, especially with regard to collector roads. Based on the research results, there is a need for sustainable integrated spatial planning, adequate infrastructure, improving the quality of the collector road network and developing integrated public transportation.

Depopulation and Changes in Habitat Type in Rural Areas in Aragón (Spain)

Objective: The study aims to examine recent transformations in rural habitats undergoing depopulation in Aragón, Spain, between 2010 and 2018. It seeks to verify changes in habitat concentration patterns and identify the underlying factors. Theoretical Framework: Drawing upon theories of rural exodus and demographic shifts, the research employs the Colas Index (Colas, 1945) to analyze habitat types—dispersed or concentrated. It recognizes the influence of agricultural changes, service provision challenges, and territorial dynamics on rural settlement patterns (Escolano and de la Riva, 2003; Nuninger et al., 2021). Method: The investigation focuses on depopulated municipalities in Aragón, utilizing a comparative analysis of the Colas Index from 2010 to 2018. Administrative boundaries define the study's territorial units, enabling the quantification of habitat changes and an assessment of their direction. The analysis integrates demographic and settlement dynamics to understand habitat evolution. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate varied habitat transformation processes across municipalities, confirming the heterogeneity of the rural landscape (Pinilla and Sáez, 2017). While transformations are not universal, they challenge the traditional link between depopulation and habitat concentration. The Colas Index proves valuable for characterizing habitat dispersion levels, yet its limitations in concentrated areas are acknowledged. Methodological constraints related to administrative boundaries and the complexity of rural-urban continua are also discussed. Research Implications: This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of depopulation impacts on rural habitats, informing territorial planning and demographic policies. It underscores the need for tailored strategies that consider local habitat variability and the potential for revitalization efforts in select areas. Originality/Value: By highlighting the diversity of habitat transitions amidst depopulation, the research offers fresh insights into rural settlement dynamics. Its value lies in demonstrating that depopulation no longer universally leads to habitat concentration, thus updating the scholarly discourse on rural transformation in Spain.

PEMBUATAN PETA DESA AIR MERAH KECAMATAN CURUP TENGAH KABUPATEN REJANG LEBONG BENGKULU

Maps are complex data sets containing information on the location and objects of an area. Maps can show the distribution of various things on Earth, such as settlement patterns, mountains and others. ArcGIS is software that can be used in making village maps. Air Merah village is a village in Curup Tengah sub-district, Bengkulu, which until now has not had complete mapping for the area. The purpose of this service is to help present village data that can be accessed as spatial data information in planning development progress in Air Merah Village. Community service is carried out in stages of visiting the village head's office for administrative processes, conducting discussions with the team, collecting data through field surveys and interviews, making maps, and discussing the results of thematic maps, as well as holding a presentation to discuss the results of the map and handing over map printouts to village officials. This service activity was attended by lecturers, partners and students who were involved in all series of services both in the field and discussions, so as to produce village information maps. Based on the results of field surveys and modeling, Air Merah Village has an area of ± 10.7789 km2 and is located at latitude longitude -3.4801, 102.556365. Map making has received a positive response from the surrounding community and is expected to be able to provide location information and improve the inventory of Air Merah Village.

Combining Geo-Archaeology and Historical Nile Records to Understand Predynastic Settlement Patterns in the Region of the Nile’s First Cataract, Egypt

Abstract This paper aims to contribute new data to understanding early Predynastic settlement patterns in Egypt at the beginning of the state formation process in the 4th millennium bce. It focuses on the early settlements of the First Nile Cataract region. We employ three different datasets to address the issue retrieved from a recent archaeological investigation and drill coring and from Nile records available from archaeological and historical sources. The analysis is performed in a gis-based environment and through inundation modelling. Data suggest early Predynastic settlements at the First Cataract may have been settled all year round. They appear to be deliberately placed above the annual high flood level and have water resources for most of the year. The new geo-archaeological data further suggests that the average high inundation level for the early 4th millennium bce was similar to that documented for the end of the millennium.

Challenging the Significance of the LALIA and the Justinianic Plague: A Reanalysis of the Archaeological Record

Summary The Late Antique Little Ice Age (LALIA), and the Justinianic Plague, were recently suggested as the possible culprits for settlement contraction and population decline that supposedly occurred in the 6th c. CE. According to some who support this claim, these changes contributed to the weakening of this empire, which eventually led to the loss of vast territories and its defeat by the Persians and Arabs in the first half of the 7th c. CE. The assumptions that climate and plague had devastating impacts in the 6th c. CE are largely based on selected textual evidence, and archaeological evidence outside of the boundaries of the Eastern Roman Empire. As the current article will show, it seems that these assumptions are inherently incorrect as vast amounts of evidence, including archaeological survey data, settlement patterns, shipwreck analyses, pottery distribution in the Mediterranean and other material, indicate that there was no decline in the 6th c. CE. On the contrary, it is possible that there was a peak in population size in the second half of the 6th c. CE, suggesting that the LALIA and the Justinianic plague were limited in their impact.

Grow or die! Land-use strategy mismatch in the ‘post-political’ metropolitan planning era

Metropolitan spaces are perceived as spatiotemporally dynamic entities where traditional settlement patterns transform into heterogeneous post-suburban forms, integrating complex networks of social and economic relationships. Inadequate coordination in local spatial planning is commonly seen as a crucial factor contributing to landscape fragmentation and persistent urban sprawl. The current ‘post-political’ era of metropolitan planning supposedly offers less formalized problem-solving approaches that are not burdened by institutionally fixed settings and excessive bureaucratic structures. However, it is not clear whether and how integrated metropolitan strategies emerging within the ‘soft spaces’ of governance can influence the local spatial strategies of individual municipalities and what spectrum of attitudes various stakeholders in the metropolitan area hold towards spatial and population growth. The main research question is: What differences in approaches to territorial and population development of settlements in the metropolitan area are observed from the perspective of various public administration actors? Using a case study of the Brno Metropolitan Area (Czech Republic) and employing quantitative spatial analysis of recent and planned population and spatial development, along with qualitative textual analysis of planning documentation rationale at various scales impacting the metropolitan area, this article elucidates the narratives typically underpinning pro-growth planning strategies. Additionally, it contextualizes the meanings attributed to the metropolitan dimension of development at the local level. The findings suggest a negligible impact of integrated metropolitan strategy on local land-use policies. Competitive mechanisms of municipal spatial planning contradicting metropolitan authority visions exacerbate the crisis of spatial identities and residential cannibalism. Population growth in the hinterland triggers narratives of inevitability, adaptation, smart growth, economic rationality, and population rejuvenation at the local planning level, culminating in land oversupply. The results provide urban policies with an explanatory framework for the diversity of attitudes towards spatial and land-use planning within the multi-scale metropolitan arena and argue for the introduction of more effective integrated metropolitan spatial planning tools.

Urban Expansion and Changing Settlement Patterns of Hyderabad City After 1990s

This paper examines the urban expansion and evolving settlement patterns of Hyderabad city since the 1990s, a period marked by rapid growth and transformation in response to economic liberalization, population influx, and infrastructural developments. The study employs spatial analysis techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to map changes in land use, density shifts, and the expansion of urban peripheries. Key factors such as migration, industrial growth, and policy shifts are analyzed to understand their role in reshaping the city's morphology. Findings reveal significant spatial reorganization, with traditional central areas experiencing densification and peripheral zones undergoing rapid development

Comparative evolution of vernacular settlements among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka ethnic groups in Lingnan

ABSTRACT Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka are three major ethnic groups in southern China that exhibit distinct characteristics despite their close geographical and cultural ties. This study employs an analysis of historical documents, architectural documentation, interviews, and observations to examine common settlement patterns and unique evolutionary mechanisms. The findings indicate that all three groups commonly feature a “tanghengshi” architectural prototype, rooted in Central Plains cultural heritage. Both Teochew and Hakka communities have consistently preserved this traditional structure. In contrast, Cantonese settlements have transitioned toward a “binglieshi” layout, characterized by the decline of horizontal houses and a reorientation of architectural elements. This study also investigates how large “tanghengshi” residences and smaller “binglieshi” dwellings may mutually transform. These adaptations in settlement form respond to Lingnan’s geographical and climatic conditions, influenced by social organization, Central Plains culture, and external factors. This research significantly advances our understanding of the relationships among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka settlements and provides valuable insights for future restoration efforts.

Resilience of Space: Application of Text Driven Emotion in Urban Planning

This study explores the spatial distribution of adaptive cycle phases in Meherpur District, with a particular focus on the rhythm of emotions within the community. By analyzing settlement patterns and incident distribution taken from newspaper, the study identifies key phases of the adaptive cycle—Release (Ω), Reorganization (α), Growth (r), and Conservation (K)— across the unions and paurashavas of Meherpur District. A GIS-based approach was used to map buffer zones and observe how each phase manifests within varying distances from the settlement center. The findings highlight significant fluctuations between release and reorganization phases, suggesting that the region is in a constant state of transformation and recovery. The study also reflects on how these spatial patterns affect resilience, with a particular emphasis on the emotional and psychological landscape of the local population. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into adaptive management and regional development strategies in Meherpur, contributing to a more resilient and emotionally stable community.

Towards large-scale analyses of settlement patterns in urbanizing landscapes—findings of first studies for India, Egypt, and China

Improved ability to assess and categorize the spatial characteristics of settlement patterns is required for a deeper understanding of how urbanization is driving land use and land cover transformation and its effects. Two approaches to the globally available settlement maps of the World Settlement Footprint 3D support a detailed assessment of spatial characteristics of settlement patterns in rural to urban landscapes and across scales: graph-based spatial network analysis and elements of fractal theory. Based on first comprehensive tests for the Punjab (India), the Nile Delta (Egypt) and the North China Plain, the results of our study suggest that the presented methods allow a quantitative and qualitative characterization and comparison of settlement patterns between different regions of the world. The approache allows to generate standardized baseline data for arbitrary regions in the world to analyze structuring principles of settlement hierarchies (e.g., self-organized fractal geometries) and their dependence on - or interaction with - cultural, political, socioeconomic, or environmental conditions.

Land Governance and Environmental Management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

The importance of governance arrangements for access, use and control of land and resources is being increasingly recognized by international institutions. This paper overviews land governance initiatives being promoted by UN Habitat, and the growing importance of rapidly developing geospatial technologies. The paper next addresses land governance issues in the MENA region, particularly the Arab Land Governance initiative, and presents a brief case study of Oman’s land governance, and its effects upon society, urban settlement patterns, and land markets. Issues of education and training for better land governance are discussed. Recommendations and conclusions address the issues and ways forward for the region.

Settlement Patterns and Built Environment at the Archaeological Site of Yalahau, Yucatan

ABSTRACT The Parque Estatal de Yalahau Project is a multidisciplinary effort combining archaeology, paleoecology, and historical ecology. The initial analysis focuses on settlement patterns within the Protected Natural Area of Parque Estatal de Yalahau-Yucatan, Mexico. The research uses a conceptual framework integrating humans, non-human species, and geological/climatic forces into a holistic, historical landscape approach, where humans shaped and symbolically interpreted their surroundings, leaving tangible impacts. The study situates findings within the Maya region, contributing to the growing recognition that the ancient Maya shaped sustainable landscapes rather than degrading the environment. The discussion centers on three key aspects of the Prehispanic Yalahau landscape: 1) settlement patterns in wetlands; 2) Maya environmental engineering and the absence of water stress; and, 3) landscape as an expression of sociopolitical strategy. The Yalahau site demonstrates how the Maya thoughtfully blended urban spaces with plants, animal ecologies, and water resources, reflecting deep social understanding of terrain and wetlands.

Measurement and analysis of surface settlement caused by construction of quasi-rectangular shield tunnel in rich water-sand stratum.

The study is based on a section of the Zhengzhou Metro Line 8 quasi-rectangular shield tunnel. Field excavation trials were conducted to analyze the surface settlement patterns caused by the construction of a large-section quasi-rectangular shield tunnel in the rich water sand layer in Zhengzhou. Based on the characteristics of the rich water sand layer, ground settlement control measures were proposed. The research findings show that the surface settlement caused by the construction of the large-section quasi-rectangular shield tunnel in the rich water sand layer exhibits a temporal curve pattern of slow settlement (Stage I: pre-arrival of the shield), rapid settlement (Stage II: shield passage, Stage III: shield tail exiting 14.4 ~ 18m), and stable settlement (Stage IV: late settlement). In Stage I, controlling the excavation rate to maintain balance between the cutter face pressure and soil pressure is effective. In Stage II, injecting lubricating mud between the shell and the sand layer to reduce soil friction and shear slip is recommended. In Stage III, increasing the synchronous grouting volume at the shield tail and adjusting grouting pressure, as well as timely filling the shield tail construction gap, are effective methods to reduce surface settlement. The Peck formula was used to fit the transverse settlement trough on the surface, with a linear correlation coefficient R²=0.983, validating the use of the Peck formula to predict surface settlement troughs for quasi-rectangular shield tunneling in the rich water sand layer. These research findings can provide data support and reference for similar projects.

Evolution and simulation optimization of rural settlements in urban-rural integration areas from a multi-gradient perspective: A case study of the Lan-Bai urban agglomeration in China

With the rapid growth of global urbanization, rural land has been continuously occupied, which has brought about profound changes in human-land relationship. As a rural regional system in the frontier area of urbanization, the rural settlements in the urban-rural integration area (URIA) are in a profound transformation due to multiple disturbances such as internal natural factors and social and economic factors brought about by external urbanization. Based on the internal and external system factors of rural settlements, this paper constructs an analytical framework to explore the spatial and temporal evolution pattern of URIA rural settlements from 2000 to 2020, and then summarizes its evolution model, and predicts the situation of rural settlements in different scenarios in 2030. Finally, the optimal control strategy is proposed. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, affected by the gradient of natural environment, the scale of rural settlements in URIA shows a trend of decreasing in low-altitude areas near rivers and increasing in high-altitude areas far from rivers. Under the socio-economic gradient, there is a phenomenon that the scale of rural settlements in the inner edge of URIA with better socio-economic environment decreases and the scale of settlements in the outer area of URIA with poor socio-economic environment increases. (2) Based on different environmental factors, in the internal natural environment, it shows the evolution mode of “terrain containment” and “water source guidance”, while in the socio-economic environment, it shows the evolution mode of “urban sprawl encroaches rural”, “population decrease and land increase”. (3) The simulation results of rural settlements in 2030 show that the scale of rural settlements in the periphery of URIA continues to increase under the natural development (ND) scenario, while the scale of rural settlements in the inner edge decreases and the distribution is scattered. Under the urban-rural integration development (URD) scenario, rural settlements are mainly concentrated in the core area of URIA, and the area of rural settlements turning into urban land has dropped significantly. (4) Based on different gradients, the settlements are divided into three types: centralized development type, restricted development type and migration remediation type. Patch reconstruction is carried out by gravity model, which can theoretically save land and vacate 327 hm2 of construction land index. Compared with the extensive development model of the ND scenario, the URD scenario has important theoretical significance in limiting the blind expansion of the city and realizing the integration of urban and rural development in Lanbai.

Dwelling architecture and flexible land-use strategies in the Prehispanic Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina

The article examines the evidence of architecture recovered from the Late Prehispanic Period of the Sierras de Córdoba (∼1220–330 cal BP), Argentina. We explore the relationship between household architecture and the level of residential mobility, arguing that a flexible subsistence and mobility pattern followed the adoption of plant cultivation and not entirely sedentary farming. The architectural evidence presented structures made using low-energy construction techniques that were not intended for an anticipated long-term occupation. This architecture meets the expectation of a settlement pattern left by groups that were occasional food producers and used specific locations as seasonal campsites, indicating a flexible landscape-use organization.

Foreign migrants in the Moscow agglomeration: spatial and temporal analysis based on data from mobile operators

The article analyzes the modern ethnic landscape of the Moscow agglomeration on the basis of data from mobile operators. The estimation of the number of foreign migrants and its monthly dynamics from October 2021 to October 2022 is made. The main areas of residence of foreigners have been identified, the ethnic diversity of municipalities has been assessed, and the main types of settlement pattern of national-ethnic communities have been identified. The study showed that the total number of foreign migrants in the agglomeration reaches 1.8 million people or 9% of the total population, remaining almost unchanged in spite of events of 2022, including the special military operation. The share of foreigners is minimal in ZATO (below 3%), it is also insignificant in the far suburbs of Moscow and in expensive districts of the capital city. At the same time, the threshold of 17% (the so-called “boiling point”, reflecting a sharp increase in the risks of interethnic conflicts and ghettoization of urban space) was overcome by 8 municipalities in the agglomeration. The two most noticeable areas of increased concentration of foreign migrants are identified in the south-east at the junction of Moscow and Moscow region (Lublino – Kotelniki) and in New Moscow (Mosrentgen – Sosenskoye). The calculation of the Ekkel ethnic mosaic index confirmed the presence of pronounced interethnic contact zones here. Increased index values were also noted in most central and southwest districts of Moscow, which, with a smaller proportion of foreigners living, are associated with a high density of offices, diplomatic institutions and universities. Three types of settlement patterns of national-ethnic groups of migrants, determined by the adaptive capabilities of ethnic communities, were revealed. Diffuse and relatively uniform settlement pattern is characteristic for both the most massive ethnic groups (citizens of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) and the most culturally close to the local population (citizens of Ukraine and Belarus). Concentric settlement pattern (in residential areas of Moscow and satellite cities) is typical for relatively large ethnic groups coming from post-Soviet countries (citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia). The local settlement pattern is typical for small ethnic communities that gravitate to specific districts of the capital city.

Sustainable Spatial Features of Settlements along the Miao Frontier Wall and Miao Frontier Corridor Analyzed through Machine Learning Clustering

This study employed unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms to systematically analyze the spatial layout characteristics of residential buildings in villages along the Miao Frontier Wall and Miao Frontier Corridor in Western Hunan. The results indicated significant differences between the two regions in terms of the number of building clusters, distribution patterns, and compactness. A comparative analysis of the K-means and DBSCAN algorithms revealed that K-means is more effective in uncovering the internal spatial layout characteristics of settlements. Further analysis showed that villages along the Miao Frontier Wall exhibited greater diversity and complexity, whereas those along the Miao Frontier Corridor demonstrated higher clustering efficiency and denser internal building distribution. These differences can be attributed to variations in historical functions, geographical environments, planning concepts, and social structures. This research uncovers the spatial layout patterns of traditional settlements and proposes a machine learning-based approach to cultural heritage preservation, providing a theoretical foundation for future heritage conservation and spatial optimization, thereby promoting the sustainable development and protection of traditional cultural heritage.