Specifying Source Information

Open the Set Translation Parameters dialog.

The easiest way to specify your source information is to drag a file or folder onto the FME Quick Translator main window. If you drag a single file onto the window, FME will know the format from the file extension. Alternatively, you can Merge Datasets or choose from the formats list.

Note: If you decide to choose another dataset in a different format, you will have to manually select the new format.

Reader Parameters

Reader Parameter boxes allow you to specify additional information relating to some source datasets. When you select one of these formats, the Parameters button will become available. When you click the button, you’ll see a dialog that contains options specific to the format you selected.

If the format doesn’t support any special settings, then the button will remain dimmed (and unavailable).

Note: You don’t have to change the settings if your source format supports this feature – FME will simply use the default settings.

Help for Parameters: When you open a settings box, press the F1 key for detailed help.

Viewing the Source Data

To view source data, click the Viewer button . This starts the FME Universal Viewer, and displays a confirmation dialog containing your source data information. Click OK to view the dataset.

Note: You can also select a different data source to view; however the input filename will not change in the Set Translation Parameters dialog.

You can also start the Universal Viewer by selecting Viewer from the Tools menu, by pressing Alt+V, or from the Mapping File Generation window.

Coordinate System

This field will usually display Unknown, which means that FME will simply use default values. In most cases, the default value is all you'll need to perform the translation.

For more information see:

Converting Coordinate Systems

Adding Custom Coordinate Systems

What's Next?

When you've finished specifying  the source information, you can specify the destination information.