Which tool in GIS would you use to determine proximity to a feature?

The Near tool in GIS is specifically designed to calculate the proximity of features in a dataset to other features. It measures the distance from each feature in the input layer to the nearest feature in a specified near layer, allowing users to effectively conduct spatial analysis based on proximity. This is particularly useful for tasks such as finding how close certain points of interest are to each other, assessing the accessibility of services, or conducting environmental impact assessments where distance plays a critical role.

Unlike other tools, the Near tool explicitly focuses on distance calculations, making it easier for users to analyze spatial relationships regarding proximity. The Intersect tool is used primarily for finding common areas between datasets, Summary Statistics provides statistical information rather than spatial relationships, and the Clip tool focuses on creating new feature datasets by cutting out overlapping areas, rather than measuring distance. Thus, the Near tool stands out as the most appropriate choice for determining proximity to a feature.