topic Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it? in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

ewmahaffey — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 18:36:07 GMT

I'm trying to copy polygons in parallel at a specified distance similar to the "Copy Parallel" tool that only works with line features. A quick Google search generative AI results mention a tool called "Copy Parallel Buffers" tool, but I can't seem to find it within ArcGIS Pro (Advanced). Supposedly it's located within "Modify" > "Construct" > "Copy Parallel Buffer". Anyone have any suggestions?

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

DanPatterson — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 18:49:49 GMT

Multiple Ring Buffer (Analysis)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation

all the copy parallel references that I could find refer to copying line features. If your intent is to create a buffer with a list of distances, then the above tool will do that

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

ewmahaffey — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 19:18:54 GMT

Thanks Dan. I'm not necessarily trying to create buffers, but more along the lines of duplicating a polygon in parallel to the original one anchored at a specific distance from it. If I draw a rectangle, I want to select it and copy it in parallel to one side or the other similar to the Copy Parallel tool for lines. Buffers will extend beyond the end of the polygon which is not what I want.

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

DanPatterson — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 19:34:01 GMT

polylines have a side, left or right

polygons or closed-loop polylines have inside or outside, but no left or right,

it almost sounds like you want to copy a shifted version of a polygon (left, right, up or down)

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

ewmahaffey — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 20:53:27 GMT

Correct. Basically just duplicate the polygon and move it to a specified distance and direction.

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

SeaRM — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:52:50 GMT

It can be done manually by calculating the nodes coordinates with the defined offset and just building polygons from the new points. But I understand that you are looking for the automatic way to do it.

As for AI, unfortunately, it makes mistakes really often, all the results of AI cannot be reliable and should be checked.

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

Scott_Harris — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:44:37 GMT

@ewmahaffey Try the Array tool:

Re: Copy Parallel Buffer Tool - Where is it?

ewmahaffey — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:12:17 GMT

Thanks Scott! That worked perfectly!