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

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 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).

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.