What is a nucleated settlement pattern?

A nucleated settlement pattern is a model of settlement where a lot of buildings are grouped together. The buildings are often grouped around crossroads or route centers.

A nucleated settlement pattern is most likely to be found in lowland areas. This model of settlement was adopted by medieval farmers as it was easier to have a central location for their farm houses.

Other settlement patterns found in rural areas are linear settlements and dispersed settlements. Linear settlement patterns have buildings built in lines and are often found on steep hillsides. Dispersed settlements, on the other hand, have buildings spread out and are often found in upland areas.