Adding an FME Connection

Some example scenarios for creating an FME Connection:

ClosedMaintain database connections:

If the format you are connecting to is a database, you can maintain a live connection to the view at any time.

ClosedView formats with non-standard file extensions:

You can view formats with extensions that may not be recognized by the Browse Tree.  

For example, perhaps you have a Microstation Design file, but the file ends in .agr.  This file will not be picked up automatically by the Browse Tree.  When you create an FME Connection, you can specify the reader, and select any file, regardless of its extension. As long as it's a valid file, and it matches the reader, it will show up under the FME connection.

ClosedAggregate many tiles of data:

You can aggregate many tiles of data.

For example, if you had a series of MIF maps, all located in various directories, you can create an FME Connection, pick MIF as the reader, then by clicking the ClosedAdvanced Browser button, you can add each directory that contains a MIF file, regardless of where it exists on the system.

The result would be that all the MIF files would be read at the same time. If you had one master directory, then several directories below this, you could use this same method and just add the master directory.

The swizzler will search and load all MIF files located with this master directory, as well as its subdirectories.

ClosedAdd formats that require parameters like usernames and passwords:

An FME Connection can be used to add formats that require that certain parameters exist before the data can be loaded (for example, usernames, passwords, and any format parameters that might also be required).

ClosedSpecify the coordinate system:

When reading a format that is not aware of its coordinate system, the FME Connection can be used to specify the coordinate system of the file, allowing it to overlay with other datasets.

  1. From the ArcCatalog tree, click FME Connections, then double-click Add FME Connection.

The FME Connection dialog appears.

  1. Select the Source Format

Select the format of your source data. You can also click the Browse button to choose from the Reader and Writer Gallery.

  1. Locate Source Data

Type the location of your input data. You can also use the buttons to browse for files or add multiple datasets. If the source format has specific default settings that you want to change, you can edit them here.

For Parameters Box Help: Press the Help button, the F1 button on your keyboard, or click the question mark in the upper-right portion of the Parameter Box.

  1. Add the connection.

Click OK.