Bufferer

Creates a buffer zone of specified size around or inside input geometry.

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Typical Uses

  • Creating fixed size zones around features, such as rights-of-way or setbacks
  • Determining spatial relationships based on proximity
  • Creating variable size zones around features to represent attribute values

How does it work?

The Bufferer accepts 2D point, curve (line), and area geometries when the Buffer Type is Area (2D). All geometry types are accepted when the Buffer Type is Solid.

Points and curves may be expanded, creating surrounding polygons or solids with points offset by the specified Buffer Distance in the specified units. Areas may be expanded or shrunk, using positive or negative Buffer Distances, but solids require positive Buffer Distances.

The attributes of the original features are retained, and the buffer is output, discarding the original geometry.

A selection of end cap and corner styles is available.

An optional list attribute may be created, holding multiple attributes for grouped or aggregate input.

Examples

Usage Notes

  • This transformer creates buffers that are of equal width on either side of a linear input feature. To create offsets to either the left or right-hand side of a feature, use the OffsetCurveGenerator.
  • Areas will be buffered on one side only - externally for a positive Buffer Distance, and internally for a negative Buffer Distance.
  • Output area buffers will always have a Right Hand Rule orientation.
  • This transformer may produce unexpected results when input areas are self-intersecting.

Configuration

Input Ports

Output Ports

Parameters

Editing Transformer Parameters

Using a set of menu options, transformer parameters can be assigned by referencing other elements in the workspace. More advanced functions, such as an advanced editor and an arithmetic editor, are also available in some transformers. To access a menu of these options, click beside the applicable parameter. For more information, see Transformer Parameter Menu Options.

Defining Values

There are several ways to define a value for use in a Transformer. The simplest is to simply type in a value or string, which can include functions of various types such as attribute references, math and string functions, and workspace parameters. There are a number of tools and shortcuts that can assist in constructing values, generally available from the drop-down context menu adjacent to the value field.

Dialog Options - Tables

Transformers with table-style parameters have additional tools for populating and manipulating values.

Reference

Processing Behavior

Dependent on Dissolve On Attributes parameter. If:

Feature Holding

Dependent on Dissolve On Attributes parameter. If:

  • Dissolve On Attributes Unset: No
  • Dissolve On Attributes Set: Yes
Dependencies  
FME Licensing Level FME Base Edition and above
Aliases 3DBufferer, GeographicBufferer
History  

FME Community

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Examples may contain information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Vancouver and/or the Open Government Licence – Canada.