Settlement Model Answers
- 1. Settlement - site G2002 Using map evidence, describe the advantages and disadvantages of the site of the settlement of Ross-on-Wye. This area has been a crossing point on the river as shown by the old Bridge (1) at 590243 (1). This created a route centre at Ross on Wye (1). The disadvantages are that part of the old town is on flat land next to the river so has a high flood risk (1). It is also on the outside of the river bend so needs protection from river erosion (1). site Flat land Near a river Valley bottom Defensive site Not on marshy ground
- 2. Settlement - distribution of settlement C2001 Explain the distribution of settlement in the area of the map extract as shown by Reference Diagram Q1D. Influences on settlement distribution: relief of land valley bottom locations communication and access links marshy and floodplain areas nearness to raw materials and natural resources Most of the map area is steep, mountainous land which is difficult to build on so there is limited settlement (2). Communication links (roads) are along the sides of the valleys where it’s flatter and easier to build on (2). Small settlements have grown along these roads (1). Torridon has grown as the largest settlement as it is on the largest area of flat land (1) and is in an accessible position (1). Most development has avoided locations right next to the rivers to reduce the risk of flooding (1).
- 3. Settlement - population density C2005 Look at grid squares 8781 and 8777. Give reasons for the low population density in each grid square. 8781 has a low population density as it’s on a floodplain (1) and is therefore unsuitable for building on (1) and could be marshy (1). 8777 has a low population density as it has a steep slope which is unsuitable for building on (1), there is marshland (1) and it’s unsheltered so is likely to be windier and colder (1).
- 4. Settlement - function G2002 What is the main function of Ross-on-Wye? Holiday resort industrial town market town Give map evidence to support your choice. Function = purpose Remember: there is no wrong answer - but which one can you write the most about? For example: Holiday resort: it is a historic town as there is both the Wilton Bridge and Wilton Castle (2) at 590243 (1). There are camp and caravan sites (1) and a museum (1). Market town: there are lots of farms surrounding the area (1) and the town is a route centre so easy to get to (1) and this will allow trade to develop (1). Holiday resort: information centre museums natural features other attractions Industrial town: lots of large factories railways, canals and other communication links
- 5. Settlement - function G2004 What is the main function of the town of Abergavenny? Tourist resort market town Give reasons for your choice Tourist resort: People can use the town as a base to explore the nearby hills (1) or the Brecon Beacons National Park (1). There are lots of tourist facilities in the town such as an information centre (1) a castle museum (1) at 2913 (1). Market town: it is a route centre (1) and there are lots of farms around it (1) such as Mardy farm (2615) (1). There are good roads to transport goods (1) such as the A40.
- 6. Settlement - attractions on a map G2003 Strathclyde country park is centred on Strathclyde loch. Using map evidence, describe the attractions which this park has for visitors. Attraction = something we would want to go and see/do/visit/explore Amenity = something we need on holiday (toilets, car parks, information centre, hotel, shops etc.) There are many attraction s which this park has for visitors. There is a visitors centre (1), a picnic site (1), and a camping and caravan site (1), a water sports centre (1) and a theme park (1).
- 7. Settlement - road building G2004 In what ways has the physical landscape created problems for engineers in building the A465 road from grid square 1912 to grid square 3012? Remember : slide your finger along the route every ‘obstacle’ you hit has created a problem what is the ‘obstacle’? How did they solve the problem? The road had to cross the River Usk (1) and there was low, flat lying land so embankments were needed (1). There was a very steep, narrow valley, which didn’t leave much room to build the road on (1). Finally, most of the surrounding land was too steep to build on (1).
- 8. Settlement - CBD G2003 Give map evidence to show the CBD of Motherwell is in Area A. This area is the CBD as it is a route centre (1) and the area has a high density of buildings packed close together (1) and there is a main railway station (1). There are also a large number of churches (1) and civic buildings (1) and a heritage centre (1) nearby.
- 9. Settlement - CBD C2004 Give the grid reference of the square which contains the CBD of Lincoln. Support your answer with map evidence. The square that most likely contains the CBD is 9771. The roads converge here in a route centre (1), there is a cathedral (1), and a bus station (1). There is also the Bishop’s Palace and Castle (1) and a tourist information centre (1).
- 10. Settlement - comparing residential areas C2004 Look at Reference Diagram Q1A. Referring to map evidence, describe the differences between the residential environments of Area A and Area B. B is closer to the CBD and has a higher density of housing whereas A is near the edge of the city with a lower housing density (2). B has a grid-iron street pattern whereas A has more curved road and cul-de-sacs (2). There is no industry near A whereas there is evidence of large industrial buildings near B (1). A appears to have more recreational and ornamental open space than B (1).
- 11. Settlement - differing urban environments C2005 Look at Reference Diagram Q7. Explain why the urban environments in Areas A and B are different. Your answer may refer to age, quality of environment, street pattern and location. Area A has short streets that are varied in layout which suggest this area has newer housing. This is because people want to live in more attractive environments (1). Many of the streets in area A are curved or cul-de-sacs which are safer (1) and generally quieter (1). Area B’s roads are straighter and there are more through roads which can lead to speeding cars and accidents (1). There will also be more noise and air pollution from the traffic (1). There is also a lot more open space in A which suggests cheaper land (1) at the edge of the city (1). This would also suggest it is quieter, with less pollution (1).