How is a service area different from a simple buffer?
A) It can only be created around lines, unlike a regular buffer which can be created around all three vector objects.
B) It is constrained by the edges of the network unlike a regular buffer.
C) It can only be constructed in a designated urban setting, unlike a regular buffer that can be created anywhere.
D) It cannot be created using a distance measurement, unlike a regular buffer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A service area in geographic information systems (GIS) is specifically defined by the accessibility via a network, such as roads or paths, taking into account the actual travel distance or time. Unlike a simple buffer, which is a uniform area around a point, line, or polygon based on a set distance, a service area's shape and size are constrained by the network's structure, such as roads or paths, and how they can be traversed. This makes service areas particularly useful for planning and analysis in urban planning, logistics, and emergency response scenarios, where understanding accessible areas via the transportation network is crucial.

How Is a Service Area Different from a Simple Buffer