Typical Uses
- Remove multiple attributes from features where the attribute names have something in common, such as a prefix, suffix, string, or a pattern that can be described with a regular expression.
How does it work?
The BulkAttributeRemover lets you enter a regular expression - which may be as simple as a specific series of characters, or as complex as you like, using Advanced Regular Expression syntax.
Any attributes with a portion of their name matching your expression are removed, and all other attributes pass through the transformer untouched.
Matches are case-sensitive.
Example: Removing attributes that match a specific string
In this example, attributes containing the string “OWNER” are removed to anonymize the data.
Non-matching attributes pass through untouched, and the two attributes that do match are removed from the output.
Usage Notes
- Use the AttributeManager to remove selected individual attributes from a feature.
- Use the AttributeKeeper to remove large numbers of attributes without expression matching, and keep selected individual attributes on a feature.
Configuration
Input Ports
Input
Features with attributes.
Output Ports
Output
Features with attributes that match the specified regular expression removed.
Parameters
Expression to Remove
Enter a regular expression that specifies what string an attribute name needs to contain for it to be removed.
For example, to remove AutoCAD format attributes from a feature, specify: ^autocad_.* Or to remove all attributes containing the string “INTL”, simply enter INTL.
You can test expressions by using the Regular Expression Editor, accessed through the drop-down parameter menu.
For more information on constructing expressions, see Regular Expression Editor.
Editing Transformer Parameters
Using a set of menu options, transformer parameters can be assigned by referencing other elements in the workspace. More advanced functions, such as an advanced editor and an arithmetic editor, are also available in some transformers. To access a menu of these options, click 
beside the applicable parameter. For more information, see Transformer Parameter Menu Options.
Defining Values
There are several ways to define a value for use in a Transformer. The simplest is to simply type in a value or string, which can include functions of various types such as attribute references, math and string functions, and workspace parameters. There are a number of tools and shortcuts that can assist in constructing values, generally available from the drop-down context menu adjacent to the value field.
How to Set Parameter Values
Using the Text Editor
The Text Editor provides a convenient way to construct text strings (including regular expressions) from various data sources, such as attributes, parameters, and constants, where the result is used directly inside a parameter.
Using the Arithmetic Editor
The Arithmetic Editor provides a convenient way to construct math expressions from various data sources, such as attributes, parameters, and feature functions, where the result is used directly inside a parameter.
Conditional Values
Set values depending on one or more test conditions that either pass or fail.
Parameter Condition Definition Dialog
Content
Expressions and strings can include a number of functions, characters, parameters, and more - whether entered directly in a parameter or constructed using one of the editors.
Content Types
| These functions manipulate and format strings. | |
| A set of control characters is available in the Text Editor. | |
| Math functions are available in both editors. | |
| These operators are available in the Arithmetic Editor. | |
| These return primarily feature-specific values. | |
| FME and workspace-specific parameters may be used. | |
| Working with User Parameters | Create your own editable parameters. |
Reference
|
Processing Behavior |
|
|
Feature Holding |
No |
| Dependencies | None |
| FME Licensing Level | FME Base Edition and above |
| Aliases | |
| History | Replaces the AttributeExpressionRemover |
| Categories |
FME Knowledge Center
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Examples may contain information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Vancouver