CUBIZEN: Global Mapper, CityEngine & Creative Tech

In this lesson, we will learn how to create multi-ring buffer zones for distance-based spatial analysis using polygon features in Global Mapper.

▲ Learn how to perform professional Buffer Analysis in Global Mapper!

1. Preparing the Workspace

We will continue using the workspace from our previous session. First, let's clean up some unnecessary layers.

Removing Unnecessary Layers

Select the 'Line' and 'Viewshed Analysis' layers in the Control Center while holding the Ctrl key. Both layers will be selected.

Click the Close Layer (X icon) at the top right of the Control Center to delete them. (Alternatively, you can press the Delete key after selection.)

Your screen should now look like this, with the elevation data ready for the next steps.

2. Loading Background Imagery

Connecting to Online Imagery

Before creating buffer zones, let's review how to load online imagery data. We will load satellite imagery that matches the extent of the current workspace.

Click the Connect to Online Data icon on the toolbar.

Defining the Download Extent

When the Online Data window opens:

1. Navigate to IMAGERY -> World Imagery.
2. Click Draw Box to specify the download area.

When the 'Drag a Box to Select Export Bounds' window appears, draw a rectangle over the desired area and click OK.

Back in the main window, click Connect.

Now, the 'World Imagery' layer is added to the Control Center, and the satellite image is displayed on the main screen.

Creating a New Area Feature

Next, let's create a polygon feature that will serve as the source geometry for the buffer analysis.

1. Right-click on the main screen.
2. Go to Create Area/Polygon Features -> Area -> Create New Area Feature.
3. The mouse cursor will change.

Digitizing the Polygon Boundary

Draw a polygon feature similar to the example below. Click points 1 through 7 with the left mouse button, and then right-click at the final point to complete the shape.

The Modify Feature Info window will pop up once the polygon is closed. Under the Feature Layer field, type "Area Boundary" (or your preferred name) and click OK.

The 'Area Boundary' layer is added, and your polygon is now visible on the main screen.

4. Generating Multi-Ring Buffer Zones

Opening the Buffer Tool

Now, let's generate the buffer zones. Select the polygon you just drew, right-click, and navigate to Create Area/Polygon Features -> BUFFER.

Configuring Buffer Distance and Interval Settings

The Buffer Area Creation Setup window will appear.

• Feature Layer: Enter "Buffer Zone" for the new layer name.
• Number of Buffer Zones for Each Feature: Enter 4.
• Buffer Distance: Enter 500 and set the unit to meters.

This configuration creates four concentric buffer zones at 500-meter intervals. Click OK when finished.

The 'Buffer Zone' layer is created, and the buffer lines are drawn on the main screen.

5. Customizing Buffer Styles and Transparency

Opening Vector Style Options

In newer versions of Global Mapper, created polygons are often filled with a solid color by default, which can obscure the underlying layers. Let's make the buffer lines transparent and change their style so the satellite image is visible.

Applying Transparent Buffer Styles

1. In the Control Center, select the 'Buffer Zone' layer.
2. Right-click and select Options (or double-click the layer).

3. When the Vector Options window opens, go to the Area Styles tab.
4. Select Use Same Style for All Features and click Select Style.

In the Select Area Style window:

• Fill Pattern: Select No Fill (this removes the solid color).
• Border Style: Select Dot (this changes the line to a dotted style).
• Color: Click the color button and choose Yellow (for high visibility).
• Width: Set to 3 pixels.

Click OK on all windows to apply the changes.

Final Visualization Result

The buffer zones are now clearly visible over the satellite imagery without obscuring the background layers.

Conclusion and Further Applications

This guide covers the most basic method of creating buffers. The Buffer Area Creation Setup window offers many other options for advanced spatial analysis.

That's it for today!