DESCRIPTION
	This layer lets you use The Timoney Group's custom web tools to perform custom analysis by creating a buffer of either hurricane path or the Gulf Coast. 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 feature on your map. In this case one can choose to buffer either hurricane path or the Gulf Coast itself. Consider the diagram below:
	In the example above, a buffer of Hurricane Rita's path (left) was created by applying a search distance of 40 miles, while another buffer was created by applying a search distance of 30 miles to Hurricane Katrina's path (right). While drawing such shapes 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
	First, it's not necessary that you have the hurricane paths overlay visible on your screen--but it would be useful for reference. Once you launch the layer, nothing on the map changes--instead look at the 'Places' panel on the left side of the interface:
	Choose what you wish to buffer--clicking on any of the three options will launch a dialog along the bottom of the 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) your buffer radius (up to 250 miles); 2) whether you'd like to buffer the entire path or only the portion of the path visible in the full-screen view; and 3) a color for your buffer. **Important: If you choose to buffer only the visible path, ensure the most accurate results by orienting the screen to the north. Hit 'Send' and wait a few seconds for your new file to be returned (Gulf Coast buffering tends to take a bit longer). Now say we requested a 50 mile buffer of a portion of the Gulf Coast we had zoomed in to: let's search on the 'Places' menu for the file that was returned:
	Clicking this link will pop up a number of tables listing wells, platforms, pipelines that are found within the buffer. You can save your buffer and its 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
	Platforms   Operator:  Current platform operator   Major Platforms:  Platforms that contain at least 6 completions or 2 pieces of     production equipment Pipelines   Operator:  Current pipeline operator   Total length:  Total length of pipelines passing through buffer   Number of segments:  # of distinct pipeline segments as defined by the MMS   Maximum diameter:  The max diameter of an operator's widest pipeline     that runs through the buffer. Wells   # 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...
	· The Gulf Coastline used for buffering is very coarse due to its complexity so any calculations should be considered merely 'in the ballpark'. · Elsewhere on this site you have the option to create your own hurricane path and buffer it in a similar fashion.