The function of a settlement is its main economic activity or purpose. Types of functions include

• Industrial Towns e.g. Sheffield
• Ports e.g. Liverpool
• Market Towns e.g. Kelso
• Seaside Resorts e.g. Blackpool
• Fishing Ports e.g. Peterhead
• Dormitory Settlements e.g. Haddington

Settlements which have the same function will have many of the same features, and these can be shown on a model. Models are simplfied versions of the real thing, and allow you to compare a particular settlement with a typical one.