GeographicBufferer

Creates a buffer zone of specified size around or inside input geometry. Works similarly to the Bufferer, but is designed for use with features in Geographic coordinates. Reprojects input features into the Dynamic Equal Distance projection, buffers them, then reprojects back into the original Geographic coordinates.

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Typical Uses

  • Creating fixed size zones around features, such as rights-of-way or setbacks
  • Determining spatial relationships based on proximity
  • Creating variable size zones around features to represent attribute values
  • Creating a buffer in different units than the input data

How does it work?

The GeographicBufferer accepts 2D point, curve (line), and area geometries. It reprojects the input features, including those with geographic (lat/long) coordinates, to Dynamic Equal Distance projection, and then creates buffers according to the parameter settings for units, size, and style.

The buffers are then reprojected to match the original coordinate system of the input features, and are output.

Point and lines may be expanded, creating surrounding polygons with points offset by the specified Buffer Amount in ground units. Areas may be expanded or shrunk, using positive or negative Buffer Amounts.

The attributes of the original features are retained, and the buffer is output, discarding the original geometry.

A selection of end cap and corner styles is available.

Examples

Usage Notes

  • This transformer creates buffers that are of equal width on either side of a linear input feature. To create offsets to either the left or right-hand side of a feature, use the OffsetCurveGenerator along with a Reprojector.
  • To buffer features not in Geographic (lat/long) coordinates, consider the Bufferer.
  • Areas will be buffered on one side only - externally for a positive Buffer Amount, and internally for a negative Buffer Amount.
  • Features must have a coordinate system defined, or they will be output via the Rejected port. The CoordinateSystemSetter may be of use to specify coordinate system if it is missing.
  • The GeographicBufferer will buffer features in any valid coordinate system (geographic or other), and so may be used to create flexible workspaces that can buffer regardless of input coordinate systems and units.

Configuration

Input Ports

Output Ports

Parameters

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.

Dialog Options - Tables

Transformers with table-style parameters have additional tools for populating and manipulating values.

Reference

Processing Behavior

Feature-Based

Feature Holding

No

Dependencies  
FME Licensing Level FME Base Edition and above
Aliases  
History  

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Examples may contain information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Vancouver and/or the Open Government Licence – Canada.