Sonia Hobbs of Safe Software and Danny Ramirez of Conterra demonstrate the FME data integration software while at INTERGEO 2015, which was held Sept. 15–17 in Stuttgart, Germany.
FME includes hundreds of powerful transformers to manipulate data structure and content.
Esri and Safe Software have paired to develop and openly share a Common Information Model (CIM) template for data exchange. The template demonstrates one approach to translating network data from an Esri ArcGIS database into CIM XML format. The XML can then be shared with other enterprise systems.
“The power behind a CIM is to provide a common language to share messaging among an electric utility’s information systems,” said Bill Meehan, Esri director of utility solutions.
The CIM comes in the wake of power industry deregulation and smart grid emergence. Utilities now share core network data more frequently than ever, and a CIM facilitates this. With a common format, a utility can share information internally across its enterprise systems, externally with other utilities, and externally with organizations such as regulators and independent system and regional transmission operators.
A CIM is based on the International Electrotechnical Technical Commission (IEC) family of standards, IEC 61970.
The Esri-Safe Software model also promotes faster decision making internally when data can be moved quickly from geographic information system (GIS) technology — the system of record for network data at many utilities — to destination enterprise systems, such as DMS, AMI, SCADA, OMS, and WMS, the companies said.
Users can download the template and test CIM XML data structures with their own data or a sample dataset that Esri and Safe Software provide. “With this template, we are providing another way for electric utilities to leverage their investment in Esri technology,” Meehan said.
The template works off of Esri’s ArcGIS (version 10.1 service pack 1 [SP1] or higher) and Safe Software’s FME software (version 2013 or higher). The sample template consists of an FME workspace; an ArcGIS Data Interoperability extract, transform and load (ETL) tool; and a sample dataset to guide users through testing how the translation process works. All the tools are provided as open source so users can adapt them to their needs.
“Utilities can use the template as a starting point for understanding how to translate data from an Esri database to the CIM XML structure to share with other enterprise systems,” Meehan said.
After exploring the sample dataset, users can also work to configure the template to work with their own network data.
Download the CIM translation template on GeoNet.
Safe Software is offering a webinar that discusses how the popular building game Minecraft offers a gaming approach to real-world geospatial scenarios. The presenters will discuss examples such as rapid design prototyping to increasing citizen and youth engagement, and helping urban planners create the perfect city block.
The presenters say they also will show attendees how they can integrate GIS, CAD, and BIM data sources with Minecraft in an automated way.
Minecraft has been downloaded more than 18 million times and is now being used in educational settings.
GPS World magazine interviews at the ESRI show, talking with Dale Lutz of Safe Software – FME.
Safe Software announced the creation of the FME Store, a online portal for access to specialized FME components that increase workflow efficiency and broaden the possibilities of what can be achieved with the software in the use and distribution of spatial data.
Available through the FME Store, either for free or licensed, are Custom Transformers, Workspace Templates, and Custom Formats that can give users a head start with specific data transformation projects.
According to the announcement, the components are supplied by Safe Software, and also by third party partners wanting to share or license their achievements in developing with FME with the user community.
“We look forward to seeing how the components available in the FME Store are used to expedite setting up data transformation workflows, saving users time and ultimately increasing productivity,” says Dale Lutz, Vice-President of Development at Safe Software. “We anticipate some exciting announcements regarding FME innovations from several partners in the weeks ahead.”
The FME Store can be accessed within FME Workbench or through the Safe Software website. Parties interested in showcasing their own components through the FME Store can contact [email protected].
Safe Software announced is kicked off its FME 2012 World Tour on April 4th in Paris, France, and continues on to 30+ cities worldwide. The series of free, one-day events aims to educate and empower users by introducing the advancements in FME 2012, and by providing them with the opportunity to further develop their FME skills through technical sessions and interaction with FME experts and fellow users.
According to the announcement, attendees of FME 2012 World Tour events will discover how the new capabilities of FME 2012, such as real time data delivery, enhance the user experience by providing faster and simpler ways to use and share their spatial data. The events will feature how-to and best practice sessions that will allow participants to build upon their FME skills.
The tour will have an interactive element, giving attendees access to assistance from FME Certified Professionals, as well as a platform to network with FME users from other organizations.
“As a company we are committed to equipping our clients with the skills they need to use FME to overcome data challenges,” says Dale Lutz, Vice-President of Development at Safe Software. “FME 2012 features usability enhancements, speed improvements, and real time data delivery to enable more efficient data transformation and easier sharing of the most up-to-date data.”
Those unable to attend an event in person can sign up to participate in an interactive live stream of the FME User Meeting being held in Vancouver on April 27th, where they can watch the presentations and ask questions directly. The FME 2011 World Tour held a similar live stream event that was well received by participants.
The theme of the tour centers around attendees joining Geography Jones, a data adventurer, on a journey to overcome spatial data interoperability obstacles and unleash the power within their “Temple of Data”.
The tour appears in 17 cities across North America and will touch down in close to 20 locations throughout South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The events are free and are open to both current FME users and those interested in learning more about FME technology. Those interested in more information on locations, dates and registration, click here.