FME 2015 Includes Various Improvements
FME 2015 by Safe Software is available in both FME Desktop and FME Server. Developments aim to help users easily move their data to where it needs to be and keep up with technology that is constantly evolving. New tools enable them to use more data in more ways and enhanced usability features allow them to work with FME more efficiently. The focus is on getting the most from the data.
Users of the new version of FME can take advantage of additional point cloud capabilities including read support for new formats CARIS CSAR and RIEGL 6.0 RDB and the new PointCloudMerger, PointCloudSorter, and PointCloudStatisticsCalculator transformers. Existing tools have also undergone upgrades: LAS support now covers versions 1.3 and 1.4, and Esri LASD files; XYZ support includes .csv and .txt file extensions; and non-spatial point cloud functionality has been added to several transformers.
Esri users can upgrade to ArcGIS 10.3 without disrupting their existing FME workflows as FME 2015 brings with it support for the latest version of Esri’s flagship product. Also included with FME 2015 are upgrades to support for commonly used CAD applications like Autodesk AutoCAD, including AutoCAD Map 3D and AutoCAD Civil 3D, as well as Bentley MicroStation.
FME 2015 includes improvements to its support for ArcGIS Online and has added read and write capabilities for CartoDB. ArcGIS Online users can also access locally hosted feature services through its new support for ArcGIS Server Feature Services and Portal for ArcGIS 10.3.
Users can integrate online file storage services into FME workflows with the new HTTPCaller, and FTPCaller transformers, and new tools for Amazon S3. Moving into new data territory, FME 2015 supports Minecraft to enable users to make their GIS and other data available through its interactively discoverable gaming platform. FME 2015 introduces read and write support for JDBC which will enable users to connect to many more systems and databases including SAP HANA, Neo4j, and Microsoft SQL Server on Linux, to name a few.
In addition to the newly supported formats and services already mentioned, FME 2015 can connect to several others across a range of data sources and destinations. Most notable inclusions are Autodesk FBX, Google Maps Engine Rasters, Microsoft SharePoint Lists, OGC GeoPackage, OpenSceneGraph OSGB, SFX Panorama Exchange reading, and TetGen.
FME Desktop 2015 includes changes to FME Workbench that have created a more convenient workflow authoring environment with new functionality, features, and canvas enhancements such as:
• A Rolling Counts feature at runtime which give users instant feedback about how their workspace is progressing
• Database and web service connections that are defined only once to provide access from unlimited FME workspaces without them containing the password credentials
• Horizontal resizing of transformers and feature types
• Object snapping to grids and guides
• Canvas auto-scrolling
• New visual cues like highlighting and pop-up buttons help users find what they’re looking for faster
• A tree-based undo tool which allows users to move backwards and forwards in their changes more easily and with more control
• An Automatic mode option when defining attributes that automatically generates a writer’s attribute schema based on the reader inputs it is attached to for less manual work
• Context sensitive naming for feature types where FME uses terminology that is native to the format the user is working with
The FME Data Inspector has also seen some changes that give users more options for assessing their data including support for more basemap sources like Bing, Nokia HERE, Google Maps Engine, and users’ own ArcGIS Online maps.
FME Server 2015
The latest version of FME Server has made changes aimed at extending its capabilities to a wider audience including a revamped web interface that is more approachable, enabling users of all technical skill levels to automate data transformation workflows. This improved usability extends to the notification services interface where it is now simpler to configure components like topics.
It is also an easier job to be an FME Server administrator in 2015 with activities that are more easily executed with more automation. Examples include the ability to execute tasks like controlling FME Engine resources and configuring Cross Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) from the web user interface, in addition to automatic clean-up for logs and temporary workspace files and improved failover and fault tolerance procedures.
Included with this release is improved real-time support with the addition of “set it and forget it” functionality which ensures workflows which must be on constantly will run until cancelled by a user.
