What settlement type typically aligns residences and buildings in a singular direction?

The characteristic of a linear settlement is that residences and buildings are arranged along a single line, often following a transportation route such as a road, river, or railway. This alignment often arises in areas where topographical features or land use constraints dictate the layout, leading to a layout where development occurs in a narrow strip rather than spreading out in multiple directions. Linear settlements are commonly found in regions where settlement patterns need to adapt to the natural landscape or existing infrastructures.

In contrast, dispersed settlements feature homes and buildings scattered apart from each other, nucleated settlements group building close together, and cluster settlements tend to form around a central point or resource, making them distinct from the linear arrangement of buildings observed in linear settlements. Understanding these differences helps in recognizing the unique spatial patterns formed by human habitation.