The Challenges of Line Buffers: Issues and Methods

Abstract. This paper discusses the challenges of flat-cap and other linestring buffers, emphasizing automated applications. The pitfalls of existing implementations are introduced, stemming from the lack of a satisfactory flat-cap buffer definition. The buffers’ roots in computational geometry are explored. Several candidate methods for robust buffer construction are described, and a novel method is proposed. The specifics and shortcomings of these methods are discussed, outlining a possible path forward.