Buffer

A buffer is a spatial zone created at a specified distance around a geographic feature such as a point, line, or polygon. In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), buffering is a fundamental spatial analysis technique used to identify and evaluate areas that lie within a defined proximity to a feature. The size of the buffer can be fixed or variable depending on the analysis requirements. For example, creating a 100-meter buffer around a road helps identify nearby buildings, schools, or businesses that may be affected by traffic, noise, or future road expansion. Similarly, a buffer around a river can highlight flood-prone areas, protect sensitive ecosystems, or establish restricted development zones. Buffers are widely used in urban planning, environmental management, transportation, disaster risk assessment, conservation, public health, and utility planning. They support informed decision-making by revealing spatial relationships, identifying areas of influence, and assisting in impact assessments. Buffer analysis can be applied to both vector and raster data, making it a versatile and essential tool for solving a wide range of geographic and spatial planning problems.