Size and Complexity (Grade 12 NSC Matric Geography): Revision Notes
Size and Complexity
Understanding how settlements are organised and classified is essential for geography students. Geographers arrange settlements in a settlement hierarchy based on their size and complexity, ranging from the smallest rural areas to the largest urban complexes.
The settlement hierarchy is a fundamental concept in human geography that helps us understand how different types of communities are organised and how they relate to each other in terms of population, services, and economic functions.
The settlement hierarchy
Settlements can be organised into a clear hierarchy that shows how they increase in both size and complexity. This hierarchy helps us understand the relationship between different types of human settlements and how they develop over time.
The settlement hierarchy is divided into two main categories: rural settlements and urban settlements. Each category contains different types of settlements that become progressively larger and more complex.
Rural settlements
Rural settlements are characterised by smaller populations, lower population density, and are typically associated with agricultural activities. There are three main types of rural settlements:
Farmstead
A farmstead represents the most basic form of rural settlement. It consists of a single farm property along with its associated outbuildings such as barns, storage facilities, and workers' quarters. This is the smallest unit in the settlement hierarchy and serves as the foundation for agricultural production in rural areas.
Hamlet
A hamlet develops when several farmsteads group together in a loose arrangement. This represents the next level up from individual farmsteads, where a small number of farming families create a tiny community. Hamlets typically have minimal services and infrastructure.
Village
Villages form when many farmsteads cluster together more densely than in hamlets. They represent the largest and most complex type of rural settlement, often featuring basic services like a local shop, school, or place of worship to serve the farming community.
Urban settlements
Urban settlements are characterised by higher population densities, diverse economic activities, and more complex infrastructure. There are five main types of urban settlements:
Town
Towns are densely populated urban areas that serve as local service centres for surrounding rural areas. They provide essential services and facilities that cannot be found in smaller settlements. Examples of South African towns include Harrismith and Beaufort West.
City
Cities are significantly larger than towns and accommodate many more people who both live and work within their boundaries. They offer a wide range of services, employment opportunities, and cultural amenities. Examples include East London and Bloemfontein.
Settlement Example: Cape Town as a Metropolis
Cape Town demonstrates the characteristics of a metropolis by:
- Serving as the primary urban centre for the Western Cape region
- Influencing surrounding towns like Stellenbosch and Paarl
- Acting as a regional capital with government functions
- Providing specialised services for the entire region
Metropolis
A metropolis functions as the primary urban centre within a region and exerts influence over surrounding dependent towns and cities. These major urban centres serve as regional capitals and economic hubs. Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth are examples of South African metropolises.
Conurbation
Conurbations develop when multiple cities and towns grow and eventually merge together to form one large urban area. This process, called coalescence, creates extensive urban regions. The Witwatersrand (Gauteng) is a prime example of a conurbation in South Africa.
Megalopolis
A megalopolis represents the largest and most complex form of urban settlement. It forms when several conurbations join together to create a gigantic urban complex spanning hundreds of kilometres. The Boston-New York-Washington corridor is a well-known example of a megalopolis.
Classification criteria
When studying settlements, it's crucial to understand that geographers classify them according to four main criteria:
The Four Classification Criteria:
- Function: What the settlement does (e.g., agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential)
- Size: The physical area and population of the settlement
- Complexity: The range of services, infrastructure, and economic activities present
- Pattern: How the settlement is arranged and organised spatially
These criteria help geographers understand not just what a settlement looks like, but how it operates and relates to other settlements in the hierarchy.
Key Points to Remember:
- Settlement hierarchy progresses from farmstead (smallest) to megalopolis (largest)
- Rural settlements include farmstead, hamlet, and village - all related to agricultural activities
- Urban settlements include town, city, metropolis, conurbation, and megalopolis - with increasing complexity
- Settlements are classified by their function, size, complexity, and pattern
- South African examples help illustrate each level of the hierarchy, from small towns like Harrismith to major conurbations like the Witwatersrand