Abstract: Combining GIS with C_V value,the influences of environmental factors,like terrain,roads and rivers,on spatial distribution characteristics of rural settlements in Changping District of Beijing Municipality have been addressed.Results show that terrain is a leading factor.On plains,the rural settlements are quite large in scale and high in density,occupying a high proportion of the land,while in mountainous areas they form a contrast.Road is an important factor affecting distribution of settlements in the rural areas.About 91.19% of the rural settlements are located within the distance of 1 500 m from main highways.River is another factor.The farther away from a river,the less the density of settlements.

Key words: Voronoi diagram, rural settlement, spatial distribution characteristics, influencing factor