Transformers

Transformers available in FME provide powerful ways to transform data as it moves from the source data format to the destination data format.

Transformers manipulate your data to achieve your desired output. Some transformers add attributes whilst others erase them, and still others perform changes to the geometry of an object.

Transformers can operate on individual features, one at a time (perhaps to calculate the area of a number of polygons), or on groups of features (perhaps to build polygons from lines). Transformers can process spatial and non-spatial data, vector data and raster data, 2D and 3D data too!

When the output from the source format or a transformer is connected to another transformer, the power of FME is revealed as processes can run in series or parallel or both, often at the same time.

How FME transformers can be used

Examples include:

• ChangeDetector – Find out what has changed between different vintages of the same dataset; useful for temporal analysis;
• AnchoredSnapper – Snap features from one dataset to features in another dataset; useful when you need to control which features are allowed to move;
• PolygonBuilder – Turns collections of lines into built polygons with the PolygonBuilder; useful if you wish to calculate and associate an area value with your asset data.

Next steps

If you would like to discuss FME, please contact us.

Download the Transformer Quick Reference Guide for more information.