Location: position in relation to other settlements, transport links, etc.

Size: area and population

Form: a general term for structure and morphology.

Structure: the layout of the settlement including transport networks and land use zones.

Morphology: similar to structure but with more detailed attention to type, age, construction and quality of buildings.

Function:
a) of whole settlement - major activities and functions in the region / nation / world, eg. mining, manufacturing, retailing, banking, etc.
b) the use made of buildings or zones; the processes taking place.

Quality of Environment: housing, amenities, density of population, etc.

Households: socio-economic, ethnic, religious characteristics and distribution.

People: age, education, employment, income, etc, and distribution.

Interaction:
a) within settlements - shopping, schooling, employment, leisure activities.
b) with the surrounding area - journeys to work, retail needs, distribution of goods, spheres of influence of newspapers, local government, etc.
c) with the wider world - migration in and out, capital investment, economic, cultural and political links.