Create a Buffer/Drive time analysis layer

Note:

Some workflows may require specific privileges. For more information about user types, roles, and privileges, see the Accounts topic.

You can create a Buffer/Drive time analysis layer. Review Buffer/Drive time analysis for more information about this analysis layer type that calculates the time or distance between locations based on parameters such as travel mode, situational traffic, and other variables.

Note:

You need to sign in to access the analysis tools.

To create a Buffer/Drive time analysis layer, complete the following steps:

1. From the map tools, click Analysis  .

   The analysis tools appear. The Measure tab is open by default.

2. Click the Create buffer/Drive time area tab .
3. From the Input layer (or features) drop-down menu, choose where to frame the analysis.
4. From the Analysis type drop-down menu, choose an analysis type.
   • To use a distance-based analysis, choose  Ring buffer, Driving distance, Trucking distance, Walking distance, or Rural driving distance. Set the measurement unit using the drop-down menu and change the distance using the text box or arrow buttons.
   • To use a time-based analysis, choose Driving time, Trucking time, Walking time, or Rural driving time. Set the measurement unit using the drop-down menu and change the amount of time using the text box or arrow buttons.
5. If you selected Driving time, Trucking time, or  Rural driving time, make a selection from the Use traffic drop-down menu to include one of the following:
   • Do not use traffic—The default setting. Does not use any traffic conditions.
   • Use live traffic—Calculate travel time based on current traffic conditions. Use the slider to offset live traffic conditions up to four hours from the current time.
   • Traffic based on typical conditions—Set a day of the week and time of day on which to base traffic calculations. When adding time, choose an option from the drop-down menu or add a value manually. Use the 12-hour or 24-hour time clock. The default value  of 12:00 a.m. is used for invalid time values.

     The driving speed and length of time is calculated from a combination of historical and live traffic data.

6. Choose a Travel direction option from the drop-down menu.

   You can calculate time and distance toward or away from the selected input features.

   This option is available for all analysis types except the Ring buffer option.

7. If you selected a travel distance or time, from the Buffer style drop-down menu, choose Overlap or Dissolve.

   Overlap	Each feature's resulting geometry is represented as a unique feature.
   Dissolve	Overlapping geometries are merged into a single feature.

8. Type a name for the layer in the Result layer name text box.
9. Click Run analysis.

   When you run the analysis, the results are saved as a new layer on the map and the result layer appears in the Layers list.

   The layer is also saved to your ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise content.

Buffer/Drive time measurement units

The following Buffer/Drive time measurement units are used:

Measurement	Analysis type	Maximum unit
Distance	Ring buffer	4,000 miles 21,120,000 feet 6,437.37 kilometers 6,437,376 meters
	Driving, Trucking, or Rural driving distance	300 miles 1,584,000 feet 482.8 kilometers 482,803 meters
	Walking distance	27 miles 142,560 feet 43.45 kilometers 43,452.3 meters
Time	Driving, Trucking, or Rural driving time	300 minutes 5 hours
	Walking time	540 minutes 9 hours

Tip:

You can use decimals in the Time text box, such as 18.2 minutes.