Buffer Zones

Create buffer zones around existing features at a specified distance. Buffers are useful for proximity analysis, setback calculations, and service area planning.

A buffer is a polygon that surrounds a feature at a constant distance. For example:

• Point buffer — Creates a circle around the point
• Line buffer — Creates a corridor along the line
• Polygon buffer — Expands or contracts the polygon boundary

1. Click the buffer icon in the analysis toolbar
2. Enter the buffer distance
3. Select the distance unit (meters, kilometers, miles, feet)
4. Choose what to buffer: selected feature or entire layer
5. Choose where to place results: new layer or existing layer
6. Click Create Buffer

• Distance — How far the buffer extends from the feature
• Units — Meters, kilometers, miles, or feet
• Source — Buffer selected feature or all features in a layer
• Output — Create new layer or add to existing layer

• Meters (m) — Standard metric unit
• Kilometers (km) — For larger buffers
• Miles (mi) — Imperial unit
• Feet (ft) — For smaller imperial buffers

• Walking distance — 400m or 5-minute walk radius
• Service areas — Delivery zones, coverage areas
• Setbacks — Building setbacks from property lines
• Hazard zones — Safe distances from facilities
• Conservation — Buffer zones around protected areas

When should you use Buffer vs. the Circle drawing tool?

• Buffer Tool — Exact distance around existing features
• Circle Tool — Quick visual circles at any location

Use the Buffer tool when you need precise distances or want to buffer existing points, lines, or polygons.