Which of the following is not a factor influencing settlement patterns?

Human development encompasses various aspects such as economic, social, and cultural factors that can influence how communities grow and develop. However, when considering the direct influences on settlement patterns, it is more about how tangible factors like the transportation system, physical environment, and government policies orchestrate the organization and dispersion of populations.

The transportation system plays a critical role in shaping settlement patterns by facilitating movement, trade, and connectivity, which can lead to urbanization or the growth of certain areas. The physical environment, including geographical features, climate, and resources, also significantly impacts where people choose to settle, as it can dictate land usability and habitability. Government policies affect land use regulations, zoning, and infrastructure investment, directly influencing where populations can thrive and grow.

While human development is indeed important for understanding why and how communities evolve over time, it is more a result of the combinations of the other factors rather than a direct influencer of settlement patterns. Therefore, it aligns as the one that is not a direct factor influencing the immediate structure of settlement patterns.