What term refers to the combination of natural and built environments around a settlement?

The term that accurately describes the combination of natural and built environments around a settlement is "urban landscape." This concept encompasses not only the physical structures created by human activity, such as buildings, roads, and parks, but also integrates the natural elements present in that area, including rivers, forests, and natural topography. An urban landscape represents how these components interact and influence each other, reflecting a complex relationship that impacts the quality of life for its inhabitants.

The term "metropolitan area" typically refers to a large urban area that includes the city and surrounding suburbs, focusing more on population density and administrative boundaries rather than the interplay between natural and built environments. "Rural landscape" focuses primarily on areas characterized by lower population density and agricultural or undeveloped land, thus excluding the urban context. The phrase "surrounding area" lacks specificity, as it does not denote the combined nature of human and environmental elements specifically tied to the settlement itself. Therefore, "urban landscape" effectively captures the intended concept by emphasizing both the constructed and natural elements that define a settlement's character.