Class 7 Exam  >  Class 7 Notes  >  Social Studies (SST) Class 7  >  Chapter Notes - Human Environment : Settlement, Transport and Communication

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

Introduction

In the chapter on Human Environment Settlement, Transport, and Communication, we explore the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings, and how this interdependence has shaped our world. Delving into the ways human beings have adapted and transformed their environment to sustain life, this chapter discusses the growth of agriculture, development of infrastructure, and the evolution of transportation and communication systems throughout history.

Settlements 

  • Settlements are places where people build their homes.  
  • The settlements earlier grew near the river valleys as water was easily available and land was fertile.  

An Example of Compact SettlementAn Example of Compact Settlement

  •  Settlements can be permanent or temporary.  
  •  Settlements which are occupied for a short time are called temporary settlements.  
  • In permanent settlements, people build homes to live in.  
  • Settlements can be rural or urban. Rural settlements can be compact or scattered. People in rural areas practice agriculture. In urban area, people are mostly engaged in services.  
  • Linear settlements are a type of human settlement pattern where houses and other structures are built along a natural or man-made feature, such as a river, coastline, road, or railway line. 

Question for Chapter Notes - Human Environment : Settlement, Transport and Communication
Try yourself:Which of the following is a characteristic of a compact settlement?
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Transport  

  •  In ancient times, people and goods were transported by animals such as donkeys, mules, bullocks, and camels.
  • The invention of the wheel revolutionized transport, making it easier and more efficient.
  • As trade developed, traders began taking land and sea routes for transportation, covering long distances.
  • Over time, various means of transport emerged, including roadways, railways, waterways, and airways.
  • Today, advancements in transportation technology have greatly reduced travel time, allowing us to travel from India to Europe in just 6-8 hours.

Various Means of Transports

1. Roadways: 

The most commonly used means of transport especially for short distances, are roads. They can be metalled or unmetalled.  

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

2. Railways:  

  • The invention of the steam engine during the industrial revolution led to the development of rail transport for carrying heavy goods and people over long distances quickly and economically.
  • The subsequent introduction of diesel and electric engines further boosted the efficiency and speed of rail transport, gradually replacing steam engines.
  • Indian railways, the largest network in Asia, underwent significant growth and expansion due to the advancements in rail technology.
  • The introduction of super-fast trains in recent years has made traveling even faster, further contributing to the emergence and importance of railways in India.

Indian RailwaysIndian Railways

3. Waterways:  

  • Waterways are the cheapest for carrying heavy and bulky goods over long distance.  
  • There are manly two types of routes, inland waterways and sea routes
  • Navigable rivers and lakes are used as inland waterways.  
  • Sea routes are connected through ports.  

Inland Waterways in IndiaInland Waterways in India

4. Airways:  

  • It is the fastest means of transport developed in the early twentieth century.  
  • It is the only mode of transport to reach the most remote and distant areas especially where there are no roads and railways.  
  • Some major airports in the world are Delhi, Mumbai, New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Cairo.  

Domestic Airlines in IndiaDomestic Airlines in India

Question for Chapter Notes - Human Environment : Settlement, Transport and Communication
Try yourself:What is the primary purpose of transport and communication?
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Communication

  • Communication is a vital process that involves the exchange of messages between individuals or groups.
  • It serves various purposes such as information sharing, education, and entertainment.
  • Multiple modes of communication exist, including newspapers, radio, television, satellites, the internet, and wireless telephones.
  • Newspapers, radio, and television are considered mass media as they have the ability to reach a large audience simultaneously.
  • Modern communication technologies, such as satellites and the internet, have significantly enhanced the speed and efficiency of communication, making it easier for people to stay connected and informed.

Satellite CommunicationSatellite Communication

Question for Chapter Notes - Human Environment : Settlement, Transport and Communication
Try yourself:What type of communication involves the use of electronic devices to transmit information?
View Solution

The document Class 7 Geography Notes - Human Environment : Settlement, Transport and Communication is a part of the Class 7 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 7.
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FAQs on Class 7 Geography Notes - Human Environment : Settlement, Transport and Communication

1. What is the importance of settlements in human environment?
Ans. Settlements refer to places where people live and carry out various activities such as farming, manufacturing, trade, etc. Settlements play a crucial role in the human environment as they provide a place for people to live, work, and interact. They also serve as centers of economic, social, and cultural activities. Settlements provide access to basic amenities such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. Settlements also contribute to the overall development of a nation by promoting economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization.
2. What are the various means of transport available in the human environment?
Ans. Transport refers to the movement of people and goods from one place to another. There are several means of transport available in the human environment such as roads, railways, waterways, airways, and pipelines. Roads are the most common means of transport and are used for the movement of people, goods, and services. Railways are used for long-distance transportation of heavy goods and passengers. Waterways are used for transportation of bulky goods such as coal, iron ore, and petroleum products. Airways are used for domestic and international travel. Pipelines are used for transportation of oil, gas, and other liquids.
3. What is the significance of communication in the human environment?
Ans. Communication refers to the exchange of information, ideas, and thoughts between individuals, groups, or organizations. Communication is essential in the human environment as it helps in the dissemination of knowledge and information. It helps in establishing social, economic, and political relationships among people. Effective communication helps in the smooth functioning of various activities such as trade, commerce, education, and governance. It also helps in promoting cultural exchange and understanding among people of different regions and countries.
4. How has the development of transport and communication impacted the human environment?
Ans. The development of transport and communication has had a significant impact on the human environment. It has led to the growth of settlements, industrialization, and urbanization. It has also facilitated the movement of people, goods, and services from one place to another, thereby promoting economic growth and development. The development of transport and communication has also improved the standard of living of people by providing access to basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and entertainment. However, it has also led to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and the spread of diseases.
5. How can we ensure sustainable development in the human environment?
Ans. Sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To ensure sustainable development in the human environment, we need to adopt a holistic approach that takes into account the social, economic, and environmental aspects of development. We need to promote the use of eco-friendly means of transport such as bicycles, electric cars, and public transport. We also need to promote the use of renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower. We need to adopt sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and construction. We also need to promote awareness among people about the importance of sustainable development and the need to conserve natural resources.
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