DESCRIPTION
	This layer lets you use The Timoney Group's custom web tools to perform custom analysis by creating custom one- or two-ring circular buffers. Easy step-by-step directions are provided below if you are unfamiliar with this type of analysis.
WHAT'S A BUFFER?
	A buffer is created when you apply a search radius to a point on your map. Consider the diagram below:
	In the example above, from the center-point, the user created a two-ring buffer: 1) a 75-mile search radius was applied to create the dark-orange buffer and, 2) a 150-mile radius was applied to create the light-orange buffer which represents all points that are 75-150 miles from the center. While drawing such circles on a map is a little bit useful, the true power of the tool comes from the ability to generate statistics about what's inside your buffers--about which you'll learn more below.
STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS
	Once you launch the layer, center your map on the Gulf of Mexico and look for the 'crosshairs' as shown below:
	As you move around in Google Earth, you'll notice that the crosshairs reposition itself at the center of the screen. If you should move outside the Gulf of Mexico, the crosshairs will turn red to indicate that buffering is unavailable. Now turn your attention to the 'Places' panel on the left side of the interface and look for the 'Make Custom Circle Buffer' hyperlink as pictured below:
	Once your screen is centered on your area of interest, click on this link--it will launch a dialog at the bottom of your map interface:
	***If you don't see dialog at the bottom of the screen, it may have shown up in another web browser. It is recommended that you use Google's internal browser as pictured by choosing 'Tools-->Options-->Preferences' from the main menu bar and ensure the box next to 'Show web results in external browser' is unchecked.
	In this dialog, simply choose the following: 1) whether you want a single- or double-ring buffer; 2) your search buffer radius (or radii for a double-ring buffer) that may be up to 250 miles; and 3) a color for your buffer. Hit 'Send' and wait a few seconds for your new file to be returned. Now say we requested a two-ring buffer with radii of 40 and 115 miles: let's search on the 'Places' menu for the file that was returned:
	Clicking on either of these links will pop up production information about the wells within the buffer. You can save your buffers and their tables to your hard drive by simply right-clicking on its title in the 'Places' panel and selecting 'Save As'.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN BUFFER TABLES
	# of Wells Reporting:  The number of wells in cell for which production reports have been filed. A well with a production report filed does not have to have actual production. Days On  The total days of production for all wells in cell Gas (mcf):  The total quantity of gas produced, in thousands of cubic feet (mcf) Oil (bbl):  The total quantity of oil produced, in barrels Operator:  Current well operator
IT'S WORTH NOTING...
	· We suggest having the wells overlay or the major platforms overlay also on so you have a decent frame of reference for deciding where to make your buffer. · More comprehensive summary statistics are available by buffering the hurricane paths; an option available elsewhere on the site.