In ArcGIS, what function does the Buffer tool perform?

The Buffer tool in ArcGIS is designed to create zones around specified features at defined distances. This means that for a selected feature, such as a point, line, or polygon, the Buffer tool generates a new area that extends outward from that feature. The distance of the buffer can be customized, allowing for flexibility in defining how far from the original feature the buffer zone will extend.

This is particularly useful in various spatial analyses, such as determining influence areas, assessing impacts, or identifying regions of interest around existing features. For example, if you have a road and want to analyze land use within a certain distance from that road, you would use the Buffer tool to create a zone that visually represents that area.

The other options do not accurately describe the Buffer tool's function. Calculating area pertains to measuring the size of features rather than creating surrounding zones. Performing a spatial query relates to examining how different features interact or overlap spatially, which is not what buffering does. Lastly, replicating features at different locations falls under a different set of geoprocessing functions that do not involve creating surrounding areas.