Settlement location factors

Settlements are often found on the sunny side an protected from winds.

The land for rearing animals and growing crops

Fuel for heating and cooking could be found

Often found on higher ground so that in the past, enemies could be seen from a distance,

A site safe from flooding and away from marshy areas

 These are sites close to a supply of water. 

A settlement site where a river is narrow or shallow enough to be bridged. 

A nodal point (or route center) is a point where two routes, such as roads, railroads, valleys or rivers meet. 

Stone , wood and clay to be found nearby.