Automating Buffer and Slope Analysis in ArcGIS Pro with Model Builder

Introduction

Geospatial analysis often involves repetitive workflows—buffering multiple administrative units, processing several raster files, or applying the same transformation repeatedly. ArcGIS Pro’s Model Builder offers an efficient solution by automating these processes with a drag-and-drop visual programming environment.

In this blog, we walk through two automation workflows in ArcGIS Pro:

1. Creating buffer zones for eight administrative blocks

2. Performing slope analysis from DEM raster data

Both tasks were executed using Model Builder, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and significant time savings.

1. Automating Buffer Zone Creation for 8 Blocks

Buffer analysis is essential when defining influence zones around features such as administrative boundaries, roads, or water bodies. Instead of manually creating buffers for each block, Model Builder allows iteration and batch processing.

Step 1 – Project Setup

• Open ArcGIS Pro

• Create a new Map Project

• Save it to your workspace

Step 2 – Add Block Boundary Data

• Go to Map → Add Data

• Load the block boundary shapefile

Figure 1 Adding the shapefile

Step 3 – Start Model Builder

• Go to Analysis → Model Builder

Step 4 – Add Iterator for Feature Selection

• Insert “Iterate Feature Selection”

• Connect the block boundary layer

• Configure selection parameters

Step 5 – Add & Configure Buffer Tool

• Add Buffer tool

• Connect iterator output

• Set buffer distance (e.g., 500 m or 1 km)

• Choose dissolve options

Step 6 – Automate Output Naming

• Use inline variable substitution such as %Name%_buffer

Figure 2 Model Builder interface displaying the workflow canvas where tools and iterators are arranged.

Step 7 – Validate & Run the Model

• Validate and run to generate automated outputs

Figure 3 Final result

Outcome:

The workflow produced consistent buffer zones for all blocks without repetition.

2. Automated Slope Analysis Using DEM Raster Data

Step 1 – Set Up Project

• Open or create a new ArcGIS Pro project

Step 2 – Add DEM Raster

• Load DEM (.tif) file

Figure 1 Adding raster images

Step 3 – Open Model Builder

• Go to Analysis → Model Builder

Step 4 – Add DEM to Model

• Drag DEM into the model window

Step 5 – Add Raster Iterator (if needed)

• Insert “Iterate Rasters”

• Select workspace and filter TIFF files

Step 6 – Add Slope Tool

• Add and connect the Slope tool

Step 7 – Configure Slope Parameters

• Choose output measurement (Degrees or Percent Rise)

• Set Z-factor to 1 for meters

Step 8 – Automate Output Naming

• Use %Name%_slope for clean organization

Figure 2 Model Builder interface displaying the workflow canvas where tools and iterators are arranged.

Outcome:

The model generated slope rasters efficiently and ensured consistency across terrain datasets.

Figure 3 Final result

Conclusion

Model Builder in ArcGIS Pro transforms repetitive GIS tasks into automated workflows. Whether working with boundary datasets or terrain analysis, automation enhances productivity, accuracy, and repeatability.