topic Re: Buffer tool: Geographic Input using Linear units set to Planat creates a geodesic buffer in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Buffer tool: Geographic Input using Linear units set to Planat creates a geodesic buffer

Craig_Eissler_Iceman — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:15:51 GMT

Using the Buffer tool, if the Input layer is in Geographic Coordinates, you set the Buffer Distance to a Linear unit (Feet, Miles, etc.), and the Measurement Method to Planar, ...Geodesic Buffers are created automatically.

Q: If that's the case, why isn't the 'Planar' option grayed-out and just force you to use the 'Geodesic' option?

Thanks, CCE

Re: Buffer tool: Geographic Input using Linear units set to Planat creates a geodesic buffer

Priya_Das — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:41:45 GMT

Hi @Craig_Eissler_Iceman

The Planar option is the default. This option will automatically determine the method to use based on the coordinate system of the input.

Documentation: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/tool-reference/analysis/buffer.htm

Re: Buffer tool: Geographic Input using Linear units set to Planat creates a geodesic buffer

Craig_Eissler_Iceman — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:06:34 GMT

Thanks, yes, I've already read the Help doc, which is what prompted my question. I'll re-post below:

"Why isn't the 'Planar' option grayed-out and just force you to use the 'Geodesic' option?"