Creates a numeric raster representation of vector or point cloud input features, where cell values are taken from the z coordinates of the input features and overlaid on a uniform background.
Typical Uses
- Creating single-band numeric raster representations of vector data
-
Rasterizing vector polygons as a precursor to raster algebra
- Not used for generating DEMs or overlaying vectors on an existing raster
How does it work?
The NumericRasterizer receives point, line, area or point cloud geometries, and “draws” them onto a numeric (single-band) output raster feature.
Input features must have z coordinates. The cell values for the rendered input features are taken from their z coordinates, and the remainder of the raster is filled with a single specified Background Value, which may also be designated as the raster band’s nodata value.
The size of the output raster may be defined by number of rows and columns, or by specifying the size of a single cell (pixel) in ground units. The geographic extent covered by the raster may be either determined by the input features or manually specified.
A variety of options is available for raster interpretation type. Anti-aliasing may be used to smooth lines.
The input features are discarded.
If vector features (such as polygons) overlap, then the value of the cell in those overlaps comes from the last feature to arrive.
Rendering non-elevation values: 3DForcer
Vector features often represent non-elevation data. To produce a numeric raster representation of those vectors with a NumericRasterizer, the value to be represented needs to be stored in the z coordinate of the source data.
To accomplish this, use the 3DForcer transformer prior to the NumericRasterizer, and assign the desired values to the features’ z coordinates.
Example: Creating a land zoning numeric raster from polygons
In this example, we will create a numeric raster where the cell values represent a zoning type. The source data is a set of polygons. Note that the data has attributes containing the zoning information - ZoneCategory and ZoneName. Both attributes are strings.
The source dataset’s coordinate system is UTM83-10, and so the ground units will be meters.
Three steps are required to convert these polygons to a numeric raster:
- Add a numeric value by mapping an attribute value to a corresponding set of numbers.
- Assign the newly created numeric values to the features’ z coordinates.
- Rasterize the polygons.
The input polygons are first routed into an AttributeValueMapper, where numeric values are assigned. In the parameters dialog, Source Attribute is set to ZoneCategory, and Destination Attribute (the new attribute) is named Key.
The Import… button reads in all possible values for ZoneCategory, and new numeric Destination Values are manually assigned in the Value Map table.
Next, the features are routed into a 3DForcer. In the parameters dialog, Elevation is set to the Key attribute that was created by the AttributeValueMapper.
Finally, the features are sent to the NumericRasterizer. In the parameters dialog, the output raster size is determined by setting Size Specification to CellSize, and both the X and Y Cell Spacing to 1 - producing 1 meter square cells.
Interpretation Type is set to UInt8, an 8-bit unsigned integer. The Background Value is zero (0), which will be assigned to any cells that fall outside the area our input polygons cover. Fill Background with Nodata is set to Yes, which will designate zero (0) as the raster band’s nodata value.
The output raster feature has one band, and the background cells with the nodata value are rendered transparently as viewed in the FME Data Inspector.
The cell values reflect the numeric values created and assigned with the AttributeValueMapper and the 3DForcer.
Usage Notes
- To rasterize vector or point cloud features into a color raster, consider using the ImageRasterizer or MapnikRasterizer.
- The NumericRasterizer does not interpolate cell values as might be required when using point-based features such as elevations or weather stations. If interpolation is required, consider using the RasterDEMGenerator, DEMGenerator, or SurfaceModeller.
-
To carry out raster algebra on rasterized polygons, use either the RasterExpressionEvaluator or RasterCellValueCalculator transformers.
- To rasterize vector data onto an existing raster feature, consider using the VectorOnRasterOverlayer or MapnikRasterizer.
Choosing a Raster Transformer
FME has an extensive selection of transformers for working with raster data. They can be generally categorized as working with whole rasters, bands, cells or palettes, and those designed for workflow control or combing raster with vector data.
For information on raster geometry and properties, see Rasters (IFMERaster).
Raster Transformers
Working with Rasters
These transformers generally apply to whole rasters.
| RasterCellOriginSetter | Sets the cell origin point within cells in a raster. |
| RasterConvolver |
Applies a convolution filter (sometimes called a kernel or lens) to raster features and outputs the results. |
| RasterExpressionEvaluator | Evaluates expressions on each cell in a raster or pair of rasters, including algebraic operations and conditional statements. |
| RasterExtentsCoercer | Replaces the geometry of input raster features with a polygon covering either the extents of a raster or the extent of data within a raster. |
| RasterGCPExtractor | Extracts Ground Control Point (GCP) coordinate system and point values from a raster feature and exposes them as attributes. |
| RasterGCPSetter | Sets Ground Control Points (GCPs) on a raster, pairing cell positions with known coordinates. |
| RasterGeoreferencer | Georeferences a raster by either known corner coordinates or origin, cell size, and rotation. |
| RasterHillshader | Generates a grayscale shaded relief representation of terrain, based on elevation values. |
| RasterInterpretationCoercer |
Alters the interpretation type of rasters, including all bands, and converts cell values if necessary. |
| RasterMosaicker | Merges multiple raster features into a single raster feature. |
| RasterPropertyExtractor | Extracts the geometry properties of a raster feature and exposes them as attributes. |
| RasterPyramider | Resamples rasters to multiple resolutions, based on either number of levels or dimensions of the smallest output raster. |
| RasterResampler | Resamples rasters, based on specified output dimensions, cell size in ground units, or percentage of original, and interpolates new cell values. |
| RasterRotationApplier |
Rotates a raster feature according to its rotation angle property, interpolating new cell values, updating all other affected raster properties, and producing an output raster feature with a rotation angle of zero. |
| RasterSubsetter | Clips raster features using pixel bounds instead of ground coordinates, and optionally adds cells around the perimeter. |
| RasterTiler | Splits each input raster into a series of tiles by specifying either a tile size in cells/pixels or the number of tiles. |
| RasterToPolygonCoercer | Creates polygons from input raster features. One polygon is output for each contiguous area of pixels with the same value in the input raster. |
| WebMapTiler | Creates a series of image tiles that can be utilized by web mapping applications such as Bing™ Maps, Google Maps™, or Web Map Tile Service. This is done by resampling rasters to various different resolutions and then splitting them into tiles. |
Working with Bands
These transformers generally apply to bands.
| RasterBandAdder | Adds a new band to a raster feature. |
| RasterBandCombiner | Merges coincidental raster features into a single output raster feature, preserving and appending all bands. |
| RasterBandInterpretationCoercer |
Alters the interpretation type of individual raster bands, converting cell values if necessary. |
| RasterBandKeeper |
Removes all unselected bands from a raster feature. |
| RasterBandMinMaxExtractor | Extracts the minimum and maximum band values, palette keys, and palette values from a raster feature, and adds them to a list attribute. |
| RasterBandNameSetter | Sets the band name of selected bands on a raster, making raster contents simpler to understand compared to band numbers. |
| RasterBandNodataRemover | Removes the existing nodata identifier from selected bands of a raster feature. Any values previously equal to the nodata value are considered valid data. |
| RasterBandNodataSetter | Sets a new nodata value on selected bands of a raster feature. |
| RasterBandOrderer | Specifies the required order of bands in a raster. Bands are reordered according to the input band indices. |
| RasterBandPropertyExtractor | Extracts the band and palette properties of a raster feature and exposes them as attributes. |
| RasterBandRemover | Removes any selected bands from a raster feature. |
| RasterBandSeparator | Separates bands or unique band and palette combinations, and outputs either individual raster features or a single new raster feature containing all combinations. |
| RasterStatisticsCalculator | Calculates statistics on raster bands and adds the results as attributes. |
Working with Cells
These transformers generally apply to individual cells.
| RasterAspectCalculator |
Calculates the aspect (direction of slope) for each cell of a raster. Aspect is measured in degrees from 0 to 360, clockwise from north. |
| RasterCellCoercer | Creates individual points or polygons for each cell in a raster, optionally extracting band values as z coordinates or attributes. |
| RasterCellValueCalculator | Evaluates basic arithmetic , minimum, maximum or average operations on the cell values of a pair of rasters. |
| RasterCellValueReplacer | Replaces a range of band values in a raster with a new single value. |
| RasterCellValueRounder | Rounds off raster cell values. |
| RasterSingularCellValueCalculator | Performs basic arithmetic operations on the cell values of a raster against a numeric value. |
| RasterSlopeCalculator | Calculates the slope (maximum rate of change in z) for each cell of a raster. |
Working with Palettes
These transformers generally apply to palettes.
| RasterPaletteAdder |
Creates a palette from an attribute, and adds this palette to all selected bands on a raster. |
| RasterPaletteExtractor | Creates a string representation of an existing palette on a raster and saves it to an attribute. |
| RasterPaletteGenerator | Generates a palette out of the selected band(s) of a raster. The output raster will have the selected band(s) replaced by a new band with a palette. |
| RasterPaletteInterpretationCoercer |
Alters the interpretation type of raster palettes. |
| RasterPaletteNodataSetter |
Identifies the palette key that matches a raster band’s nodata value, and sets a value on it. |
| RasterPaletteRemover | Removes selected palette(s) from raster features. |
| RasterPaletteResolver | Resolves the palette(s) on a raster by replacing cell values with their corresponding palette values. Palette values with multiple components, such as RGB, are broken down and the individual values assigned to multiple, newly-added bands. |
Workflow Control
These transformers generally control the flow of features in a workspace.
| RasterCheckpointer | Forces accumulated raster operations to be processed, saving the state to disk and releasing resources to tune performance or assist with memory limitations. |
| RasterConsumer | Reads raster features for testing purposes, including any accumulated raster operations. No additional operations are performed, and nothing is done with the features. |
| RasterExtractor | Serializes the geometry of a raster feature into a Blob attribute, encoding the contents according to a choice of common binary raster formats. |
| RasterNumericCreator | Creates a numeric raster of specified size and resolution, with default cell values. |
| RasterReplacer | Decodes a binary attribute containing encoded rasters stored as Blobs, replacing the feature’s geometry with the decoded raster. |
| RasterRGBCreator | Creates a color raster feature of specified size, resolution, and interpretation type, with default cell values. |
| RasterSelector |
Selects specific bands and palettes of a raster for subsequent transformer operations. |
Vectors and Rasters
These transformers generally involve using rasters and vector data together.
| ImageRasterizer | Creates a raster representation of vector or point cloud input features, using the fme_color attribute over a solid background fill for vector features. Point clouds may be rendered using their color or intensity components. |
| NumericRasterizer | Creates a numeric raster representation of vector or point cloud input features, where cell values are taken from the z coordinates of the input features and overlaid on a uniform background. |
| MapnikRasterizer | Generates a raster from input vector and raster features, with fine control over symbolization and labeling, using the Mapnik toolkit. |
| PointOnRasterValueExtractor | Extracts the band and palette values from a raster at the location of one or more input points and sets them as attributes on the feature. |
| RasterDEMGenerator | Produces a raster digital elevation model (DEM) by uniformly sampling a Delaunay triangulation generated from input points and breaklines. |
| VectorOnRasterOverlayer | Rasterizes vector or point cloud features onto an existing raster. For vector features the fme_color attribute sets pixel color, and point clouds may be rendered using their color or intensity components. |
Configuration
Input Ports
Input
Point, line, area, or point cloud features to be rasterized. Input features must have a z coordinate from which cell values will be assigned.
Output Ports
Raster
A single band numeric raster created according to parameter selections.
<Rejected>
Invalid features will be routed to the <Rejected> port.
Rejected features will have an fme_rejection_code attribute with one of the following values:
INVALID_VECTOR_GEOMETRY_TYPE
INVALID_VECTOR_GEOMETRY_DIMENSION
Rejected Feature Handling: can be set to either terminate the translation or continue running when it encounters a rejected feature. This setting is available both as a default FME option and as a workspace parameter.
Parameters
Transformer
| Group By | If the Group By parameter is set to an attribute list, one raster per group will be produced. |
| Group By Mode |
Process At End (Blocking): This is the default behavior. Processing will only occur in this transformer once all input is present. Process When Group Changes (Advanced): This transformer will process input groups in order. Changes of the value of the Group By parameter on the input stream will trigger processing on the currently accumulating group. This may improve overall speed (particularly with multiple, equally-sized groups), but could cause undesired behavior if input groups are not truly ordered. Considerations for Using Group By
There are two typical reasons for using Process When Group Changes (Advanced) . The first is incoming data that is intended to be processed in groups (and is already so ordered). In this case, the structure dictates Group By usage - not performance considerations. The second possible reason is potential performance gains. Performance gains are most likely when the data is already sorted (or read using a SQL ORDER BY statement) since less work is required of FME. If the data needs ordering, it can be sorted in the workspace (though the added processing overhead may negate any gains). Sorting becomes more difficult according to the number of data streams. Multiple streams of data could be almost impossible to sort into the correct order, since all features matching a Group By value need to arrive before any features (of any feature type or dataset) belonging to the next group. In this case, using Group By with Process At End (Blocking) may be the equivalent and simpler approach. Note: Multiple feature types and features from multiple datasets will not generally naturally occur in the correct order. As with many scenarios, testing different approaches in your workspace with your data is the only definitive way to identify performance gains. |
Raster Properties
| Size Specification |
Select a method of defining output raster size:
|
| Number of Columns (cells) | If Size Specification is RowsColumns, enter the width of the output raster in cells (pixels). |
| Number of Rows (cells) | If Size Specification is RowsColumns, enter the height of the output raster in cells (pixels). |
| X Cell Spacing | If Size Specification is CellSize, enter the width in ground units of a single cell (pixel). |
| Y Cell Spacing | If Size Specification is CellSize, enter the height in ground units of a single cell (pixel). |
Interpretation
| Interpretation Type |
Select an interpretation for the output raster. Options include:
|
Background
| Background Value |
Sets the background value for cells not covered by rendered input features. The value must be within range of the chosen Interpretation Type. |
| Fill Background with Nodata | If Yes, the background value will also be flagged as the nodata value for the raster band. |
Anti-Aliasing
| Anti-Aliasing | If Yes, the output lines will be smoothed using an anti-aliasing algorithm. |
| Tolerance |
The Tolerance parameter is the maximum normalized distance from a line segment or polygon vertex to a pixel to be rendered. For example a tolerance of 1.0 will draw all pixels touched by the input vector line, while a tolerance of 0.0 will draw only those pixels where the input vector line passes directly through their center. The default tolerance is 0.5. Tolerance can only be selected when Anti-Aliasing is set to No. |
Ground Extents
| Ground Extents |
If Use input data ground extents, the extents are not explicitly specified, and the output raster extents will be determined by the union of the bounding boxes of the valid input vector features. If Specify ground extents, the remaining Ground Extents parameters are used to specify the extents of the output raster. The output raster will be clipped to the specified extents. |
| Minimum X | This specifies the minimum x value of the output raster. It is used when the Ground Extents parameter is set to Specify ground extents. |
| Minimum Y | This specifies the minimum y value of the output raster. It is used when the Ground Extents parameter is set to Specify ground extents. |
| Maximum X | This specifies the maximum x value of the output raster. It is used when the Ground Extents parameter is set to Specify ground extents. |
| Maximum Y | This specifies the maximum y value of the output raster. It is used when the Ground Extents parameter is set to Specify ground extents. |
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 |
Yes |
| Dependencies | None |
| FME Licensing Level | FME Professional Edition and above |
| Aliases | |
| History | |
| Categories |
FME Community
The FME Community is the place for demos, how-tos, articles, FAQs, and more. Get answers to your questions, learn from other users, and suggest, vote, and comment on new features.
Search for all results about the NumericRasterizer on the FME Community.
Examples may contain information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Vancouver