Feature Description

Multiple ring buffer refers to creating multiple buffer zones around a geometry at specified distances. The generated buffer results can be used in subsequent analytical operations.

• Currently, the application does not support creating multi-buffers for CAD datasets and network datasets.
• For line data, you can choose between round or flat buffer types; for point/polygon data, the system can only generate round buffers by default.

Feature Entry

• Spatial Analysis Tab -> Vector Analysis -> Buffer -> select Multiple Ring Buffer from the dropdown menu;
• Toolbox -> Vector Analysis tool -> Buffer -> Multiple Ring Buffer;

Parameter Description

• Buffer

  Datasource: Select the datasource containing the dataset for which to create multi-buffers.

  Dataset: The system supports creating multi-buffers for point, line, and polygon data. The dataset dropdown lists all point, line, and region datasets in the selected datasource. Here, select the target dataset.

• Buffer Type

  When creating buffers for line objects, the parameters in the buffer type section become configurable.

  • Round: Creates buffer zones by drawing parallel lines on both sides of the line at the buffer distance, with semicircular ends. This is the default type.
  • Flat: Creates rectangular buffer zones using adjacent line segments as one side and left/right radii as the other. For line data, single-direction multiple ring buffers can be generated.
    • Left Radius: Creates multi-buffers on the left side of line data based on buffer radius.
    • Right Radius: Creates multi-buffers on the right side of line data based on buffer radius.
• Buffer Radius List

  Use toolbar buttons (Batch Add, Insert, Delete) to manage buffer radii. The list displays radii from innermost to outermost. Click values in the "Radius" column to edit.

  • Batch Add: Click the "Batch Add" button to set incrementally increasing/decreasing buffer radii. Default creates 10-30m buffers with 10m intervals.
    • Start Value: Radius of the innermost buffer.
    • End Value: Radius of the outermost buffer.
    • Step: Interval between adjacent buffer radii.
    • Segments: Number of buffer levels.
    • Update End Value: When checked, automatically calculates the end value based on start value, step, and segments. When unchecked, uses manually entered end value.
  • Insert: Select one or more radii and click Insert to add a radius (default: 10) before the selection.
  • Unit: Available units include: millimeter, centimeter, decimeter, meter, kilometer, inch, foot, mile, degree, yard, etc.
• Parameter Settings: Configure buffer merging, attribute retention, and arc smoothness.
  • Union Buffer: When checked, merges buffers with identical radii. When unchecked, preserves individual buffers. Note: Without merging, buffers with same radii remain separate.

    Figure 1: Multiple ring buffer result	Figure 2: Merged buffer group

  • Generate Ring-Buffer: When checked, creates concentric ring-shaped buffers. When unchecked, outer buffers include inner areas. Enabled by default.
  • Keep Attributes: When checked, preserves original non-system attributes in buffers. Disabled when "Union Buffer" is enabled. Enabled by default.
  • Number of Arc Segments (4-200): Controls buffer boundary smoothness. Higher values create smoother arcs. Default: 100.
• Result Data:
  • Datasource: Select output datasource.
  • Dataset: Enter output dataset name. Invalid if name exists.

Related Topics

About Buffer Analysis

Create Single Buffer