Multiple Ring Buffer

Title  Multiple Ring Buffer

Summary

Geoprocessing tool that creates multiple buffers at specified distances around the input features.


Illustration

Multiple Ring Buffer illustration Multiple Ring Buffer illustration

Usage


Syntax

Parameter Explanation
Input_Features

The input point, line, or polygon features to be buffered.
Output_Feature_class

The output feature class that will contain multiple buffers.
Distances

The list of buffer distances. Distances are entered individually and can be committed to the list by pressing the Add button. The Distances list is managed using the side-panel controls.
Buffer_Unit (Optional)

The linear unit to be used with the Distance values. If the units are not specified, or entered as 'Default', the linear unit of the input features' spatial reference is used. If the Buffer Unit is specified as 'Default' and the Output Coordinate System geoprocessing environment has been set, its linear unit will be used.
Field_Name (Optional)

The name of the field in the output feature class that stores the buffer distance used to create each buffer feature. If no name is specified, the default field name is 'distance'. This field will be of type Double.
Dissolve_Option (Optional)

Determines if buffers will be dissolved to resemble rings around the input features.

  • ALL—Buffers will be rings around the input features that do not overlap (think of these as rings or donuts around the input features). The smallest buffer will cover the area of its input feature plus the buffer distance, and subsequent buffers will be rings around the smallest buffer which do not cover the area of the input feature or smaller buffers. All buffers of the same distance will be dissolved into a single feature. This is the default.
  • NONE—All buffer areas will be maintained regardless of overlap. Each buffer will cover its input feature plus the area of any smaller buffers.
Outside_Polygons_Only (Optional)

Determines if buffers will cover the input features. Valid only for polygon input features.

  • Unchecked—Buffers will overlap or cover the input features. This is the default.
  • Checked—Buffers will be rings around the input features, and will not overlap or cover the input features (the area inside the input polygon will be erased from the buffer).

Code Samples

MultipleRingBuffer Example (Python Window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the MultipleRingBuffer tool in immediate mode.


import arcpy
from arcpy import env
env.workspace = "C:/data/airport.gdb"
arcpy.MultipleRingBuffer_analysis("schools", "c:/output/output.gdb/multibuffer1", [10,20,30],
                         "meters", "", "ALL")

MultipleRingBuffer Example 2 (stand-alone script)

The following stand-alone script demonstrates how to use the MultipleRingBuffer tool.


# Name: MultipleRingBuffer_Example2.py
# Description: Create multiple buffers for the input features
# Author: ESRI
 
# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
 
# Set environment settings
env.workspace = "C:/data/airport.gdb"
 
# Set local variables
inFeatures = "schools"
outFeatureClass = "c:/output/output.gdb/multibuffer1"
distances = [10,20,30]
bufferUnit = "meters"
 
# Execute MultipleRingBuffer
arcpy.MultipleRingBuffer_analysis(inFeatures, outFeatureClass, distances, bufferUnit, "", "ALL")

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