CBSE Class 7 Geography Chapter 7 Notes - Human Environment - Settlement, Transport and Communication

Human Environment - Settlement Transport and Communication: A Brief Summary

In the prehistoric era, humans were slowly stepping into a new dimension of better living practices with the innovation and invention of new things. They used to live in caves and trees. They also roamed here and there in search of food and survival. Once we invented agriculture, we started to settle down closer to a water source. This is how the first settlement happened in the past.

Settlements

A settlement is where a group of people build houses and stay there for a particular period. It all depends on the time span, types of houses, and other factors that define a type of settlement. Let us take a quick look at the different types.

1.  Temporary Settlements

As per the Class 7 Geography Chapter 7 Notes, temporary settlements can be described as a group of people living for a short time span and then living it for particular reasons. For instance, people living high in the mountains come down to live in the plains during the winter season. It can be commonly seen among the hunters, gatherers, and those agriculturists who practice shifting cultivation.

2.  Permanent Settlements

You can already figure out the type of settlement it is from its name. this is a practice where people make their permanent homes and stay there the entire year. They do not have any intention to move somewhere new as they can find everything right there. It can be broadly divided into two types.

• Rural Settlement

This settlement comprises people whose occupations are agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, craftwork, forestry, trading, etc. In this segment, you will find two subtypes of settlements. The first one is a compact settlement. Here, people stay close due to the availability of flatlands. Scattered dwellings, on the other hand, can be seen in the hilly areas, thick forests, or places with extreme climatic conditions. The rural settlements have characteristic homes designed as per the climatic conditions and natural resources available.

• Urban Settlement

The urban areas, as we all know, comprise permanent residences made of cement, bricks, and concrete. It has roads, bridges, hospitals, and other services mandatory for the development of the people living here.

Transport Services

Back in the day, animals were used to carry things. People also carried loads on their back to distant places. With the invention of the wheel, the dawn of a new civilization was earmarked. Different types of transportation were invented and added to the settlements so that people dwelling there can find the absolute convenience to go from one place to the other or carry loads.

As time passed, distance shortened due to the invention of new types of transport services. People can now cross continents within a day using flight services. The Class 7 Geography Chapter 7 Notes will discuss the different kinds of transport services.

• Roadways

This is the commonest way of transport we use these days. Roads are used to travel small distances. The advancement in technology can be seen when roads are constructed in diverse terrains crossing mountains, deserts, and forests.

• Railways

The advent of the steam engine brought a huge industrial revolution across the world. The development of railway tracks introduced a new transport system a century ago. It is easier to construct train tracks in plain lands. The difficulties of developing tracks on diverse terrains are being mastered using innovations and technology. Indian Railways is the largest and most complex in Asia.

• Waterways

The development of waterways has led to the foundation of one of the cheapest ways to carry bulky goods and heavy loads. Sea routes and inland waterways provide an excellent way to deliver an excellent communication channel for industrial freight in domestic and international business spheres.

• Airways

This is the fastest communication service we have to travel a long distance within hours. It is the most expensive one due to the high use of fossil fuels. Its efficiency is influenced by weather conditions. Inaccessible areas can be covered using helicopters. An airplane needs a track to take off or land.

Communication

Conveying messages to one and many needs a proper communication channel. Over the years, the development of various communication channels helps us interact with each other easily.

Follow the Human Environment Settlement Transport and Communication Class 7 Notes to find an easy explanation of these new concepts and study the chapter well.