Site and Situation of a Place
The site and situation of a settlement are very different things. The site of a settlement is the land upon which it was built. There are a range of factors that can determine the site of a settlement. These are:
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wet point site - these are sites close to a supply of water
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dry point site - these are sites that avoided the risk of flooding
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defensive site - these were sites that were on high ground and allowed the inhabitants to see enemies from a distance
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aspect - many settlements in the northern hemisphere are located on south facing sides of valleys where it is sunny
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shelter - away from rain and prevailing winds
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trading point - often settlements developed where natural training points meet such as along rivers or natural route ways
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resources - many settlements developed close to where natural resources could be found.
The situation of a settlement is its location in relation to surrounding human and physical features. We usually describe the situation when we are telling someone where a settlement is.
Click on the link below and study the historical maps of Houston.
As you are examining the maps, think about these questions.
How does the landscape allow Houston to change?
What changes do you see as you look through the historical maps?
How does Houston's situation change over time?