Dynamic Distance Buffer Tool

Generate multiple concentric buffer rings at user-defined dynamic distances around any vector features.

Quick Start

  1. Open the tool from Processing Toolbox → Proximity Analysis → Dynamic Distance Buffer, or click the toolbar button.
  2. Select an input layer (point, line, or polygon).
  3. Enter distances as a comma-separated list, e.g. 500,1000,2000,5000.
  4. Choose your unit, ring type, and click Run.

Parameters

ParameterDescription
Input layerAny vector layer with point, line, or polygon geometries.
DistancesComma-separated positive numbers. Example: 500,1000,2000
Distance fieldOptional. Select a numeric field to read distances dynamically from the attribute table. Overrides manual distances.
Distance unitMeters, Kilometers, Miles, Feet, or Nautical Miles.
Ring typeRings — non-overlapping donuts. Discs — cumulative overlapping buffers.
DissolveMerge all features sharing the same distance band into one multipart feature.
SegmentsSegments per quarter-circle. Higher = smoother curves, slower processing.
End cap styleRound, Flat, or Square end caps (relevant for line inputs).

Ring Types Explained

Rings (Non-overlapping Donuts)

Each ring represents only the area between consecutive distance thresholds. Ring 1 covers 0–500 m, Ring 2 covers 500–1000 m, and so on. No geometry overlap.

Discs (Cumulative)

Each disc is a full buffer from the source feature. Disc 1 covers 0–500 m, Disc 2 covers 0–1000 m. Geometries overlap.

Output Attributes

FieldTypeDescription
ring_idIntegerSequential ring number (1 = innermost).
source_fidLongFeature ID of the original input feature. -1 when dissolved.
dist_innerDoubleInner boundary distance.
dist_outerDoubleOuter boundary distance.
distanceDoubleNominal buffer distance for this ring.

Using in PyQGIS

import processing

result = processing.run('dynamicdistancebuffer:dynamicdistancebuffer', {
    'INPUT': 'path/to/layer.gpkg',
    'DISTANCES': '500,1000,2000,5000',
    'DISTANCE_UNIT': 0,
    'RING_TYPE': 0,
    'DISSOLVE': True,
    'SEGMENTS': 36,
    'OUTPUT': 'memory:'
})
Tip: The algorithm is fully compatible with the QGIS Graphical Modeler. Drag it from the toolbox into any model.
CRS Warning: For accurate metric buffers, always use a projected coordinate system (e.g. UTM). If your layer uses WGS 84 (EPSG:4326), buffer distances are interpreted as degrees and results will be distorted.

Tips