Geographic Buffers for Crime Analysis in ArcGIS Pro (Part 1)

Summary: How does crime vary with distance from a school? Before we can answer that question, we need to decide how to measure “nearby.” In Part 1 of this GeoCrimeHub series, we create geographic buffers around public high schools in Philadelphia using ArcGIS Pro. We compare two ways to define the surrounding area: separate, non-overlapping rings and overlapping disks that include everything within a given distance. That choice shapes what we measure—and how we interpret the results. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to: • Create buffers at 400, 800, and 1,200 feet. • Distinguish exclusive rings from cumulative disks. • Compare the advantages and limitations of each approach. • Consider coordinate systems and planar versus geodesic measurements. • Calculate areas in square kilometers. • Build an Excel comparison table for the analysis in Part 2. This video focuses on setting up the geography. In Part 2, we’ll join crime data to the buffers, calculate crime densities and location quotients, and examine patterns involving thefts, robberies, drug violations, and assaults. What's Next: Together, the two videos explore a central question: Is crime concentrated near schools, lower in their immediate surroundings, or higher farther away? These spatial patterns provide a starting point for interpretation; they do not, by themselves, establish that schools cause or prevent crime. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or crime analyst, this series will help you connect GIS tools to meaningful questions about crime and place. Watch Part 2 next to move from buffer geometry to crime analysis. Chapters 0:00 – Geographic Buffers: Overview of the Two-Part Series 1:05 – Schools as Crime Attractors or Protective Places 1:56 – Project Setup: 22 Philadelphia High Schools 3:19 – Multi-Ring Buffer Tool: 400, 800 & 1,200 Feet 3:44 – Non-Overlapping Rings vs. Overlapping Disks 4:54 – Creating Rings: Planar Method & Projected Coordinates 6:30 – Understanding Dissolved Rings & Citywide Analysis 8:33 – Creating Overlapping Disks 9:35 – Why Disks Produce 66 Features 10:50 – Cumulative Buffers & Counting Crimes More Than Once 12:50 – Preparing Area Fields for Crime Density 13:46 – Calculating Area in Square Kilometers 15:04 – Building the Excel Comparison Table 16:13 – Calculating Total Disk Areas Across Schools 18:26 – Comparing Ring Areas with Cumulative Disk Areas 20:06 – Recap & Part 2: From Buffers to Crime Analysis #GeoCrimeHub #ArcGISPro #CrimeAnalysis #GeographicBuffers #CrimeMapping