====== Buffer Wizard ======

The Buffer Wizard dialog is used to expand the bounding region of the features in a layer.  This creates a "zone" around the features at a specified maximum distance from all the vertices of the features.  Buffering is useful for proximity analysis.

This dialog consists of 3 steps:  
  * Step 1 - Choose Layer to Buffer
  * Step 2 - Select Buffer Distance and Options
  * Step 3 - Save the Results

===== Video Overview =====
{{youtube>je_Q8OxWZIs?720|How to use the Buffer Wizard.}}


===== Step 1 - Choose the Layer to Buffer =====
Step 1 of the Buffer Wizard allows users to select which layer to buffer.  The **Layer to Buffer** select box displays all layers available in the current project.  After selecting a layer, the user can then press the **Next** button.   

If your layer has certain features that have been selected on the **Select Features** tab, you may also check the **Only buffer the currently selected features on this layer** checkbox.

===== Step 2 - Select Buffer Distance and Options =====
Step 2 of the Buffer Wizard allows users to set the desired **Buffer Distance** and **Smoothness**.  

**Buffer Distance** is the distance to buffer the features.  It consists of a numeric value and a unit (meters, miles, etc.) selected from the unit select box.  There is also an optional **Disolve** checkbox that will combine overlapping results into a single shape if selected.  

**Smoothness** allows the user to specify the smoothness of the buffer edges.  Values range from 3 (lease smooth) to 10 (most smooth).

===== Step 3 - Save the Results =====
Like all other Tools wizards, this step allows users to choose how they want the wizard results to be saved.  Users can choose to **Add to Map** and specify the desired layer name, or choose to **Output to File**.  If **Output to File** is chosen, the user must select an existing or new file to save the results into.