The thesis presents the use of spatial analysis methods of geographic information system (GIS) for settlement analysis for the case study of Lake Cerknica. Since the trend of settling unsuitable areas according to environmental factors has been noticed over the past few decades there was an increase of damage on buildings from natural disasters. Due to this we analysed the present settlement of the study area and we specified the most suitable areas for potential expansion. Two models were designed, inductive and deductive. Methodology of model designing is based on making variables which are included into the model as natural criteria of adequacy for settlement areas. These environmental factors were discussed as variables: clean environment, suitable climate, low noise, slope, aspect, lithological base, water protection area, flooding area, land use and Natura 2000. Geomorphometrical variables (slope, aspect) were generated with spatial analysis using digital elevation model (DEM), others were sourced from public available spatial data. We discovered that regarding the natural criteria the settlement of the study area is appropriate; and that new settlement areas can be planned mainly within the existing settlements.