The transformer looks at every pair of line segments made up of three consecutive distinct points. If the angle (in degrees) between two line segments is less than or equal to the specified maximum angle, then the middle point is a spike and is removed.
If the geometry of a feature is a path, the transformer removes spikes between consecutive path segments as well. For a polygon or donut, if the start/end point is a spike, then it is also removed. The end result is still a polygon/donut. Any polygons, donuts, paths or lines that are part of a collection of geometry will also be processed.
The transformer will also remove any consecutive duplicate points.
The transformer is not effective when the line contains many deviations other than spikes. In such cases, it is recommended to first clean up the features using the Generalizer transformer with Douglas-Poiker algorithm.
Output Ports
Changed
Features that are cleaned up will be output through this port.
Removed
Duplicate points and spikes will be output through this port.
If the Remove Spikes Iteratively parameter is set to No, the Removed features will have the following details about the spike added as attributes: _spike_angle, _spike_length1, and _spike_length2.
Unchanged
Any untouched features will be output through this port.
Parameters
Maximum Spike Angle
If the angle (in degrees) between two line segments is less than or equal to this parameter, then the middle point is a spike and is removed. The value must be between 0 and 180 degrees.
Maximum Spike Length
If the Maximum Spike Length is specified, then the transformer will skip line segments longer than this length; otherwise, all line segments are considered.
Dimension
- 3D: Z coordinates of line segments will be used when finding spike angle and length.
- 2D: Z coordinates of line segments will be ignored when finding spike angle and length.
Remove Spikes Iteratively
- No – The Removed features will have the following details about the spike added as attributes: _spike_angle, _spike_length1, and _spike_length2.
- Yes – The transformer will ensure that no spikes are left behind (but it will not return the attributes _spike_angle, _spike_length1, and _spike_length2).
Example
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.
Transformer Categories
FME Licensing Level
FME Professional edition and above
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