 Tasks in QGIS Buffering Layers The buffer tool is used to create and define specific distances from a point, line, or area. It is a great way to analyze the surroundings of a geospatial object within a specific distance. Let's create a 2 km buffer to surround our points. With your point data added to your project, select the Processing tab in the top menu bar. Click Toolbox and type the word Buffer in the search bar. Double-click on the Buffer tool to open it. Select your point layer as your input layer. Use the drop-down arrow to change the unit under Distance to km and type the number 2. Take note, if the Buffer tool does not give the option to change the unit of distance, it is an indication that you are using a coordinate system measured by latitude and longitude. If you would like to buffer the area using meters, you will have to re-project your layer. Change the number of segments to 20 to increase the smoothness of the buffer border. Checkmark the box next to Dissolve Result to create a connected buffer with the areas that overlap. Save this layer in your desired location and select Run. You now have a buffer layer covering the areas of Mississauga that are within 2 km of a fire station. For more information on QGIS, visit the UTM Library QGIS playlist.