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1.4.1 Situation
The concept 'situation' can be understood to refer to two types of meaning. First it refers to
the way an individual interprets a given object or set of circumstances, which outcome may
largely be influenced by the understanding, perceptions, values and knowledge that individual
possesses (Theodorson and Theodorson, 1970).
Secondly, the concept 'situation' refers to a physical or spatial placement of a feature in
relation to its surroundings. In other words, the concept refers to the position or setting of a
particular place in relation to its surroundings. For example, it may be a settlement's
relationship with the surrounding region (Pask and Williams, 1993). The latter definition is
relevant to the purpose ofthis research study.
1.4.2 Situation analysis
This involves the computation ofthe direction and distance ofa settlement from other places
along a road, railway or coastline and, by implication, a reference to its accessibility,
remoteness, centrality or isolation (Pask and WiIliams, 1993).
In this study, a certain degree ofemphasis is placed on the location of Ulundi in relation to the
various transport networks in order to establish the associated economic spin-offs. This
concept features again in the study to assess the economic impact ofthe proximity ofcertain
physical landscape and cultural features beyond the Ulundi Local Municipality.
1.4.3 Land use
Land use is the pattern ofconstruction and activity land is used for. Patterns of land use arise
naturally in a culture though customs and practices, but land use may also be formally
regulated by zoning, other laws or private agreements such as restrictive covenants
[www.wordig.com. 2008)]. Furthermore, the classification of land according to the utilization
made of it (Johnston, 1981). In this srudy, the various landscape and culrural attributes
provide a basis for the difterent land uses in Ulundi.
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