Abstract: Based on SPOT satellite images of northern Jiangsu area in 2007/2008 year, this paper utilizes spatial metrics, kernel density, standard deviational ellipse, nearest neighbor distance index and spatial proximity to quantitatively analyze the spatial pattern of rural settlements in northern Jiangsu area. Results show some distinct regional variations. Around Hua’an and Yancheng, rural settlements are small in size but high in density. In comparison, around Xuzhou, Suqian and Lianyungang, rural settlements are large in size but low in density. This spatial pattern is highly related to geomorphology, water distribution, and transportation network. Rural settlements in flood plains are usually irregular, while in piedmont alluvial plain area, they show good continuity, and in yellow soil area, they display a high degree of fragmentation. The mean nearest neighbor distance among water networks is small in Yancheng and Huaian, which is conducive for rural residents to work and live. The average distance between settlements and roads is small in Xuzhou, Lianyungang, and Suqian, which indicates favorable transportation condition. Finally, the article discusses the future development of rural settlements and suggests a more reasonable layout in northern Jiangsu area.