Buffering Features in ArcGIS

Timothy — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:00:35 +0000

Buffering is a useful technique in GIS. It is referred to as a proximity tool in ArcToolbox. It can be applied to points, polylines, and polygons. Some valuable uses include: Right-of-ways, Tree diameters, Sex Offender Exclusion Zones, Study Areas, Impervious Surfaces from a Centerline, Evacuation Zone of Weather Events, etc.

To perform a single distance buffer:

1. Open the Buffer Tool – ArcToolbox >Proximity >Buffer

2. Fill Inputs

Input Features (Points, Polylines, Polygons)
Output Feature Class
Linear Unit (Distance of Buffer) This can also come from a attribute field value.

The remaining entries are optional.

The new output layer from the buffer will be added to the map (circles around red dots).

To perform a multiple distance buffer:

1. Open the Multiple Ring Buffer Tool – ArcToolbox >Proximity >Multiple Ring Buffer

2. Fill Inputs

Input Features (Points, Polylines, Polygons)
Output Feature Class
Enter each buffer distance.

The remaining entries are optional.

The new output layer from the buffer will be added to the map. Notice that I have used the dissolve option. This causes the buffer rings to dissolve based up distance.

GIS Pathway... » Polylines

Buffering Features in ArcGIS