An algorithm for generating geometric buffers for vector feature layers

Abstract

The paper presents an algorithm for constructing geometric buffers for vector feature layers and dissolving those buffers using a sweep-line approach and vector algebra. The algorithm works by first constructing a geometric buffer for a vector feature layer, then dissolving each single geometric buffer for that feature layer, and finally dissolving the overlapping buffers of the entire layer. The algorithm has been implemented successfully in a commercial Geographical Information System software package.