Thereby , settlements are mostly seen as elements of the cultural landscape that developed over time .
Traditionally , it belongs to cultural geography and is divided into the geography of urban settlements ( cities and towns ) and rural settlements ( e.g. villages and hamlets ) .
Settlements are mostly seen as elements of the cultural landscape that developed over time .
Traditionally , it belongs to cultural geography and is divided into the geography of urban settlements ( cities and towns ) and rural settlements ( e.g. villages and hamlets ) .