PostGIS 1.5.

1 Manual
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Note
This function ignores the third dimension (z) and will always give a 2-d buffer even when presented with a 3d-geometry.

Performed by the GEOS module.

This method implements the OpenGIS Simple Features Implementation Specification for SQL 1.1. s2.1.1.3
This method implements the SQL/MM specification. SQL-MM 3: 5.1.17

Note
People often make the mistake of using this function to try to do radius searches. Creating a buffer to to a radius search
is slow and pointless. Use ST_DWithin instead.

Examples

quad_segs=8 (default)
SELECT ST_Buffer(
ST_GeomFromText(POINT(100 90)),
50, quad_segs=8);

quad_segs=2 (lame)
SELECT ST_Buffer(
ST_GeomFromText(POINT(100 90)),
50, quad_segs=2);

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endcap=round join=round (default)

SELECT ST_Buffer(
ST_GeomFromText(
LINESTRING(50 50,150 150,150 50)
), 10, endcap=round join=round);

join=bevel
SELECT ST_Buffer(
ST_GeomFromText(
LINESTRING(50 50,150 150,150 50)
), 10, join=bevel);

--A buffered point approximates a circle

endcap=square
SELECT ST_Buffer(
ST_GeomFromText(
LINESTRING(50 50,150 150,150 50)
), 10, endcap=square join=round);

join=mitre mitre_limit=5.0 (default mitre limit)

SELECT ST_Buffer(
ST_GeomFromText(
LINESTRING(50 50,150 150,150 50)
), 10, join=mitre mitre_limit=5.0);