Keywords:
Settlement: a place where people live. The size and influence of a a settlement varies greatly from place to place
High order functions /goods: required infrequently and expensive, usually sold in comparison shops
Lower order function /goods: required frequently and inexpensive, usually sold in convenience shops
Sphere of influence: the area around a settlement that comes under its economic, social and political control. This is thus the area served by a
settlement
Range: the distance people are willing to obtain a good or a service
Minimum threshold value: Minimum number of people required to make a good service viable
Conurbation: an extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city.
Threshold population: the number of people needed to justify the provision of a good or service. Low order services will require lower numbers
than high order services.
Wet point site: these are sites close to a supply of water
Dry point site: these are sites that avoid the risk of flooding
Aspect: many settlements in the northern hemisphere are located on fourth facing sides of valleys where it is sunny throughout the day/
different seasons
Trading point: (nodal point) people trade where roads, rivers, valleys, railroads… meet
Shelter: protected from adverse weather; wind, rain, storms
Function: The main activity or activities that take place in a settlement
Settlement Hierarchy and Services: Penang,
Malaysia
Settlement function - Liverpool, UK
Population: 220’000
The island of Penang is found off the north west coast of • Liverpool’s historical function was as a port. It
western Malaysia. It is situated in the Andaman Sea. There are played a large role in the transatlantic slave
a number of settlements on Penang ranging from small village trade. In 2004 Liverpool reflected the
kampungs to large cities such as George Town. significance of the city as a commercial port.
• Today Liverpool has a modern function of
tourism. There are plenty of museums such
George Town is the capital city of the Malaysian state of
as the museum of Liverpool, Liverpool
Penang:
-Tourism is a key function, including historical architecture and Cathedral, Walker Art Gallery… as well as
Chulia street which is known for its street food. There are many many shopping malls such as Liverpool ONE
museums such as Penang State Museum and art galleries. & St. John’s shopping centre. Liverpool two
-Retail is another function: There are multiple shopping malls, very popular football teams: Liverpool FC and
these include Gurney Plaza and Paragon Mall Everton
-Hub for education: 117 primary schools, 49 high schools, 4 • Liverpool has a settlement function linked to
islamic religious schools, two vocational colleges and a education. It has 3 universities
technical school throughout George Town.
Settlement: a place where people live. The size and influence of a a settlement varies greatly from place to place
High order functions /goods: required infrequently and expensive, usually sold in comparison shops
Lower order function /goods: required frequently and inexpensive, usually sold in convenience shops
Sphere of influence: the area around a settlement that comes under its economic, social and political control. This is thus the area served by a
settlement
Range: the distance people are willing to obtain a good or a service
Minimum threshold value: Minimum number of people required to make a good service viable
Conurbation: an extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city.
Threshold population: the number of people needed to justify the provision of a good or service. Low order services will require lower numbers
than high order services.
Wet point site: these are sites close to a supply of water
Dry point site: these are sites that avoid the risk of flooding
Aspect: many settlements in the northern hemisphere are located on fourth facing sides of valleys where it is sunny throughout the day/
different seasons
Trading point: (nodal point) people trade where roads, rivers, valleys, railroads… meet
Shelter: protected from adverse weather; wind, rain, storms
Function: The main activity or activities that take place in a settlement
Settlement Hierarchy and Services: Penang,
Malaysia
Settlement function - Liverpool, UK
Population: 220’000
The island of Penang is found off the north west coast of • Liverpool’s historical function was as a port. It
western Malaysia. It is situated in the Andaman Sea. There are played a large role in the transatlantic slave
a number of settlements on Penang ranging from small village trade. In 2004 Liverpool reflected the
kampungs to large cities such as George Town. significance of the city as a commercial port.
• Today Liverpool has a modern function of
tourism. There are plenty of museums such
George Town is the capital city of the Malaysian state of
as the museum of Liverpool, Liverpool
Penang:
-Tourism is a key function, including historical architecture and Cathedral, Walker Art Gallery… as well as
Chulia street which is known for its street food. There are many many shopping malls such as Liverpool ONE
museums such as Penang State Museum and art galleries. & St. John’s shopping centre. Liverpool two
-Retail is another function: There are multiple shopping malls, very popular football teams: Liverpool FC and
these include Gurney Plaza and Paragon Mall Everton
-Hub for education: 117 primary schools, 49 high schools, 4 • Liverpool has a settlement function linked to
islamic religious schools, two vocational colleges and a education. It has 3 universities
technical school throughout George Town.
