The various patterns of compact settlements are as under:

1. Linear pattern: It is commonly found along main roads, railways, streams etc. It may have a single row of houses arranged along the main artery. For example rural settlements found along the sea coast, river valley, mountain ranges etc.

2. Rectangular pattern: This is a very common type which develops around the rectangular shape of agricultural fields as it is common to find a system of land measurement based on square units. Village parts and cart tracks also conform to the rectangular field pattern and run through the village in north-south and east-west directions. The settlements of coastal Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh and either side of Aravali hills etc. are examples of this pattern.

3. Square Pattern: This is basically a variant of rectangular type. Such a pattern is associated with villages line at the crossing of cart or roads and also related to features restricting the extension of the village outside a square space. These features may include an old boundary wall, thick orchards, a road or a pond.

4. Circular Pattern: These patterns are found in upper Doab  and Trans-Yamuna districts, Malwa region, Punjab and Gujarat. The outer walls of dwelling Ed join each other and present a continuous front so that when viewed from outside, The villages look like a walled and fortified enclosure pierced  by a few openings.

5. Radial Pattern: In this type, a number of streets Converse on one centre which may be a source of water, a temple or a mosque. The streets seem to be radiating from a common centre. Examples are settlements near Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu etc.