The document discusses the evolution of transforming feature classes to KML files, highlighting a transition from a manual, error-prone process using multiple applications to a streamlined method utilizing FME automation. It details a specific project for Caltrans District 4 that involves creating a spatial database of surveyed overhead signs, employing Python scripts to automate the workflow and publish KML/KMZ files to the web. The author, Kirsten Lawrence, emphasizes the efficiency gained through workspace development and reduced manual editing.

1. Exploring KML Transformers
and Attributes
Kirsten Lawrence, GISP
Senior GIS Analyst @ Caltrans

2. Feature Class to KML the Old Way,
Before FME…
! Several different applications were used to get
from A (feature class) to B (KML)
! KML files were manually edited in a text editor to
achieve desired styling
! A time consuming process, every time
! So many steps made it inevitable to miss one

3. Feature Class to KML the New Way,
Using FME…
! Just one application to get from A to B
! No manual editing of files post creation
! Time spent on developing a workspace, then just
press a button when the data needs updating
! Workflow automation minimizes errors

4. Project Example:
Create a spatial database of Surveyed
overhead signs for Caltrans District 4 and
publish the information in KML/KMZ
format to the web

5. Project Workflow
! A python script organizes the workflow, calling
arcpy and other custom functions to format and
geoprocess the tabular surveyed data
! The python script runs the FME workspace that
builds out the KMZ using fmeobjects and the
FMEWorkspaceRunner class
! The script uploads the final KMZ to the web via
pysftp
Hi

6. Workspace Snapshot

7. Structuring the Data: KML Folders
Create a
Folder
Feature Type

8. Styling the Data
Create a
Style Feature
Type

9. Applying Styles and
Assigning Data to the Folders

10. Creating the Navigation tree and
Setting Description Balloon Content

11. Region Setting

12. Adding a Screen Overlay
Create a
Screen Overlay
Feature Type

13. The Final Product
http://earth.dot.ca.gov/d4row/d04_ohs.html

14. Thank You!
! Questions?
! For more information:
! Kirsten Lawrence, kirsten.lawrence@dot.ca.gov
! Caltrans
! http://fmepedia.safe.com/