In the beginning of A New HopeA New Hope, R2D2R2-D2 and C3POC-3PO get in an argument over which way to walk towards civilization, with R2D2R2-D2 being adamant that settlements exist across the rocks. C3POC-3PO takes the easier walk across the sands. Of course, what ends up happening is both are independently captured before they make it.
Was there any hint in canon or legends why R2D2R2-D2 was so adamant about that path? And were there actually settlements in that direction?