NCERT Class 7 Geography Chapter 7 – Human Environment: Settlement, Transport and Communication (Notes)

Chapter-7: Human environment – settlement, transport and communication

These NCERT Class 7 Geography Chapter 7 notes explain how humans organise their life through settlements, transport and communication. The chapter helps students understand how people live together, move from one place to another and share information.

Human Environment: Settlement, Transport and Communication introduces different types of settlements such as rural and urban, and explains why settlements develop in certain areas. It also discusses major modes of transport and different means of communication, highlighting their role in economic development and national integration.

This chapter helps students understand the interdependence between human activities and infrastructure.

1. Introduction

Humans live together in organised places called settlements.
People move from one place to another using transport.
Humans share ideas and information through communication.
These three together form the human environment.
They shape social life, economic activities and development.

2. Settlement

A settlement is a place where people live permanently.
Settlements develop near water sources like rivers and lakes.
Fertile land encourages farming-based settlements.
Availability of jobs, trade and markets attracts people.
Good transport facilities help settlements grow.

3. Temporary settlements

Temporary settlements are used for a short period of time.
People do not live there permanently.
Nomadic tribes move from place to place for livelihood.
Seasonal workers stay temporarily for work.
Such settlements change location frequently.

4. Rural settlements

Rural settlements are mainly villages.
Agriculture and animal husbandry are main occupations.
Population density is generally low.
Houses are built using local materials.
Rural life is closely linked with nature.

5. Urban settlements

Urban settlements include towns and cities.
Population density is very high.
People work in industry, trade and services.
Cities provide better education and health facilities.
Examples include Delhi, Mumbai and Patna.

6. Transport

Transport means moving people and goods from one place to another.
It supports trade and economic activities.
Transport helps in national integration.
Development of transport improves connectivity.
A strong transport system supports growth of settlements.

7. Roadways

Roadways are the most common mode of transport in India.
They connect villages, towns and cities.
Roads provide door-to-door service.
They are flexible and easy to construct.
Road transport is slow for long distances.

8. Railways

Railways are suitable for long-distance travel.
They carry large numbers of passengers.
Railways transport heavy and bulky goods.
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world.
Rail transport is economical for long journeys.

9. Waterways

Waterways are the cheapest mode of transport.
Inland waterways use rivers and canals.
The Ganga–Brahmaputra river system is important in India.
Sea routes are used for international trade.
Major ports include Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

10. Airways

Airways are the fastest mode of transport.
They are also the most expensive.
Airways are useful during emergencies.
They help reach remote and difficult areas.
Major airports are located in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

11. Communication

Communication means sending and receiving information.
It plays a key role in education and administration.
Communication helps spread ideas and knowledge.
It strengthens national unity.
Modern communication has reduced distance barriers.

12. Means of communication

Personal communication includes letters and telephones.
Mobile phones allow instant communication.
Mass communication reaches a large number of people.
Newspapers, radio and television inform the public.
The internet provides fast information and online services.

13. Role of satellites

Satellites help in weather forecasting.
They support communication services.
Satellites give early warnings during disasters.
Television and mobile services depend on satellites.
They play an important role in modern life.

14. Interdependence of settlement, transport and communication

Settlements grow faster where transport is well developed.
Transport supports trade and movement of goods.
Communication connects markets and people.
Development in one supports the others.
Modern cities grow due to strong transport and communication networks.

15. Importance in Indian context

Transport connects different regions of India.
It promotes economic development.
Communication strengthens national integration.
Information reaches even remote areas.
Together they support India’s overall development.

16. Important keywords

Settlement is a place where people live.
Rural and urban settlements differ in occupation and size.
Transport includes roadways, railways, waterways and airways.
Communication connects people and institutions.
Mass media spreads information to a large population.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 Geography Chapter 7 is important to learn how settlements grow and how transport and communication connect people and regions. The chapter clearly explains the role of roads, railways, waterways, airways and modern communication systems in human development.

The ideas discussed in Human Environment: Settlement, Transport and Communication help students understand modern life and development processes and are highly useful for school examinations and foundation-level preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 7 Geography Chapter 8 – Human Environment Interactions: The Tropical and the Subtropical Region to understand how climate and nature influence human life in different regions.

FAQs

Q1. What is a settlement?
A settlement is a place where people live permanently.

Q2. What is the difference between rural and urban settlements?
Rural settlements are villages mainly dependent on agriculture, while urban settlements are towns and cities with diverse occupations.

Q3. Which is the most commonly used mode of transport in India?
Roadways are the most commonly used mode of transport in India.

Q4. What is mass communication?
Mass communication refers to means like newspapers, radio, television and internet that reach a large number of people.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains human settlements, transport and communication, making it important for school exams and foundation-level preparation.