This concept, frequently encountered in AP Human Geography, refers to the arrangement of objects or people closely packed together. A common illustration is a clustered rural settlement, where houses and farm buildings are tightly grouped, often around a central point like a church or market square. This spatial pattern contrasts with dispersed or uniform distributions.
The significance of this spatial arrangement lies in its influence on social interaction, resource accessibility, and defense strategies. Historically, it provided safety in numbers, facilitated communal activities, and optimized resource utilization, particularly in agricultural societies. Understanding its characteristics allows for analysis of settlement patterns, population density, and the evolution of human landscapes.
