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Using the Buffer Tool to Create CNMP Setback Zones

Last Modified: 07/28/2008

For best results, set ArcGIS to Advanced within the Toolkit Preferences

The CNMP Setback layer can be generated to share with a TSP or private contractor. Generate a CNMP Setback layer to indicate the zone around Sensitive Areas where manure application is restricted.

  1. Digitize the Sensitive Areas
    1. Digitize the Sensitive Areas as part of Resources Inventory point, line and polygon layers. (Examples of Sensitive Areas are residences, sinkholes, streams, ponds, grassed waterways and drinking wells.)
  2. Create a new layer called CNMP Setback.
    1. Click on the Toolkit Star button. Under Resources Inventory, select Polygon. For Layer name, enter CNMP Setback. Under file name, scroll over res_inv_poly.shp and type in CNMP.shp. The new layer will be saved in the Resource Maps folder of the Customer Folder. When the Editor toolbar appears, click on the Editor button, then click Stop Editing.
  3. Set you Selectable Layers.
    1. Click on the Selection menu, then click Set Selectable Layers. Click the Clear All button, then click on a Resource Inventory point, line or polygon layer that contains Sensitive Area features. Close the Selection menu.
    2. Click on the Select tool and select the Sensitive Area Resource Inventory features you want to buffer around.
  4. Generate the CNMP Setback buffer.
    1. Click on the Toolkit Buffer icon. Click on Features of a Layer, and use the drop down arrow to select the appropriate Resource Inventory layer. Click the Next button.
    2. For the Buffer Width, enter the Setback distance recommended for the particular sensitive area and the particular method of application (ex. surface application, surface incorporation, or direct injection).
    3. For Where to Create Buffers, make a selection (ex. outside polygon and include inside, or both sides of a line).
    4. For Where to Save the Buffers, select In an existing editable layer. Click on the drop down arrow and select the CNMP Setback layer. Click on the Finish button.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to buffer the Sensitive Areas in the remaining Resource Inventory layers.

To share your CNMP Setback layer with a private contractor, browse to the file location within the Resource Maps folder. Hold the shift-key and click to select all of the files with the CNMP prefix. To share your Consplan layer with a private contractor, follow the Export Data instructions below.

Export Data - Create a New Permanent Shapefile Layer

  • Right-click on the layer name in the Table of Contents (TOC) that you want to convert into a permanent shapefile.
  • Select Data then Export Data.
  • Where it says Output shapefile or feature class, click on the browse icon to browse to the location where you want to save the file. It is recommended that the shapefile be saved within the Customer Folder under the Resource Maps folder (For example: C:\Customer_Files_Toolkit\CustomerFolderName\Resource_Maps).
  • The default shapefile name will be Export_Output.shp. Rename the file with a meaningful name, such as consplan_t123.shp.
  • Click Yes if you want to add the permanent shapefile to your map view.
  • To share your new layer with a private contractor, browse to the file location within the Resource Maps folder.
  • Hold the shift-key and click to select all of the files with the consplan_t123 prefix.

Contacts

Patty Engler
Maryland Toolkit Coordinator
Email: patricia.engler@md.usda.gov
Phone: 410-489-7987

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