Introduction

Methods

Spatial Distribution of Wells

Geology and Hydrology

Wells and Geology

Other sources of water

Conclusion

There are many factors that can affect the distribution of settlement patterns, but there is one overriding constant to human occupation, regardless of economic type or scale, or form of social organization. That is, the availability of water. Without water, humans cannot survive, and there can be no maintenance of a human settlement pattern.

The earliest water source in Armidale, on a large scale, were wells. These for the most part seem to be intimately associated with development of the urban landscape, and, therefore, their absence to some extent can be regarded as an absence of urban development.

The spatial pattern of the early urban landscape of Armidale is therefore likely to reflect the problems and limitations associated with the use of wells.