Typical Uses
-
Determining the center point of the area represented by a standard MGRS code.
How does it work?
The MGRSToLatLongConverter accepts any feature. The user specifies an attribute, expression, or user parameter containing a valid MGRS Code, along with the Ellipsoid and appropriate Lettering Type.
The coordinates of the center point of the described area are added as attribute values. The size of the area (and so the position of the center point) depends on the precision of the MGRS code, ranging from 1 meter square to 100 km square. See LatLongToMGRSConverter for more information.
Examples
Example: Converting MGRS codes to lat/long coordinates
In this example, we have a CSV file of cities with associated MGRS codes. They have no geometry.
The features are routed into an MGRSToLatLongConverter.
In the parameters dialog, MGRS Code is set to the appropriate attribute. Default attribute names are kept for the coordinates output.
The output features now have attributes containing latitude and longitude coordinates representing the center of the area described by each MGRS code.
Note that in this case, that area is 1 meter square, as the MGRS codes have a precision of 5.
Usage Notes
-
For more information on the MGRS, see Military Grid Reference System.
-
This transformer does not create geometry. To create points from the coordinates, consider using a VertexCreator.
Configuration
Input Ports
Input
Features with MGRS codes available as attributes, expressions, or user parameters.
Output Ports
Output
Features with latitude and longitude coordinates generated according to parameter selections and added to attributes.
Parameters
General
|
Ellipsoid |
The ellipsoid used for the conversion. This can be any ellipsoid name supported by FME. |
|
Lettering Type |
Select a type:
|
|
MGRS Code |
Supply an MGRS code by providing an attribute name, expression, or user parameter. |
Output Attribute Names
|
Longitude |
Name the attribute to contain the generated longitude value. |
|
Latitude |
Name the attribute to contain the generated latitude value. |
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.
When setting values - whether entered directly in a parameter or constructed using one of the editors - strings and expressions containing String, Math, Date/Time or FME Feature Functions will have those functions evaluated. Therefore, the names of these functions (in the form @<function_name>) should not be used as literal string values.
Content Types
| These functions manipulate and format strings. | |
|
Special Characters |
A set of control characters is available in the Text Editor. |
| Math functions are available in both editors. | |
| Date/Time Functions | Date and time functions are available in the Text Editor. |
| These operators are available in the Arithmetic Editor. | |
| These return primarily feature-specific values. | |
| FME and workspace-specific parameters may be used. | |
| Creating and Modifying User Parameters | Create your own editable parameters. |
Dialog Options - Tables
Transformers with table-style parameters have additional tools for populating and manipulating values.
Table Tools
|
Row Reordering
|
Enabled once you have clicked on a row item. Choices include:
|
|
Cut, Copy, and Paste
|
Enabled once you have clicked on a row item. Choices include:
Cut, copy, and paste may be used within a transformer, or between transformers. |
|
Filter
|
Start typing a string, and the matrix will only display rows matching those characters. Searches all columns. This only affects the display of attributes within the transformer - it does not alter which attributes are output. |
|
Import
|
Import populates the table with a set of new attributes read from a dataset. Specific application varies between transformers. |
|
Reset/Refresh
|
Generally resets the table to its initial state, and may provide additional options to remove invalid entries. Behavior varies between transformers. |
Note: Not all tools are available in all transformers.
Reference
|
Processing Behavior |
|
|
Feature Holding |
No |
| Dependencies | None |
| Aliases | |
| History |
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 MGRSToLatLongConverter on the FME Community.
Examples may contain information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Vancouver and/or the Open Government Licence – Canada.