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.

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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 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. 

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.

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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.  

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 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 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 India

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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 Communication