I know how to create a buffer or multiple buffers around a point feature. But then you always get a ring buffer. How can I create a rectangle buffer ? Can I use a tool or a python script ?
I suppose one way of getting around this problem is to create the buffers then use the minimum bounding geometry tool to create a rectangle. Not sure if this is the best or most logical way but you would certainly get a square/rectangular area around the point.
Using the Minimum Bounding Geometry tool (ArcGIS 10) to get a square/rectanble from the buffer polygons is a good idea. The RECTANGLE_BY_WIDTH and RECTANGLE_BY_AREA options are available for ArcView license.
Using the Minimum Bounding Geometry tool (ArcGIS 10) to get a square/rectanble from the buffer polygons is a good idea. The RECTANGLE_BY_WIDTH and RECTANGLE_BY_AREA options are available for ArcView license.
Thanks,
Is there a way I can define the alignment of the rectangles?
No. The minimum bounding rectangle by width or by area is unique in its orientation; so you don't have control over the alignment of the rectangles. A bounding rectangle in a different orientation may not be minimum bounding rectangle by width or by area.
1. Buffer your point feature (ArcToolbox > Analysis Tools > Proximity > Buffer). Make sure to select the correct distance in the linear unit box. 2. Input your newly created buffers into the Feature Envelope to Polygon tool (Data Management Tools > Features > Feature Envelope to Polygon). Make sure to select the "Create multpart features" box if you have multiple points.
