Introduction
The ArcGIS Data Interoperability extension is a tool designed to expand the ArcGIS platform by embedding FME Form functionality, which enables users to easily and efficiently extract, transform, and load data between different systems, formats, and platforms. Workflows can then be published to FME Flow*, which streamlines data integration processes, automates data workflows, and ensures the reliable and efficient transfer of data between systems. Together, the ArcGIS Data Interoperability Extension and FME Flow provide a comprehensive solution for managing and integrating data across different platforms, systems, and formats.
Note that publishing workflows from FME Flow that use advanced Esri-based formats
or services requires ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Server software to be installed
and licensed on the same machine.
Workflows using simpler Esri formats, such as File Geodatabase Open API or ArcGIS
Online via the REST API do not require ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Server.
See
Comparison of Esri-Based Readers and Writers in FME
for specific format details.
For more information on using FME and ArcGIS Pro, see:
•
Using ArcGIS Pro with FME Form
•
Notes on FME and Esri Versions and Compatibility
•
Using FME Flow with Esri ArcGIS Software
Comparison of FME Form and ArcGIS Data Interoperability Extension
| FME Form | ArcGIS Data Interoperability | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Type | Standalone Desktop Application | Extension within ArcGIS Pro |
| Purchased from and technical support provided by | Safe Software | Esri |
| Graphical authoring environment | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ability to publish to FME Flow and FME Flow Hosted for automation (scheduling, automation, etc.) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Access to FME Hub (hundreds of additional transformers, web connections, templates, and more) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ability to use the most up-to-date version* | ✔ | ✘ |
| Access to the stream of FME beta releases | ✔ | ✘ |
| Access to third-party plugins** | ✔ | ✘ |
| Can install multiple versions on the same machine | ✔ | ✘ |
| Requires ArcGIS Pro to be installed and licensed*** | ✔ | ✔ |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Languages | English (+ localized into Japanese, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese) | English |
| Formats supported | 450+ formats | View supported formats |
| Training | Free FME training and training offered by regional Partners | Esri Documentation |
* ArcGIS Data Interoperability is based on a prior release of FME. See the current version.
** Any format listed that states “This is a 3rd-party plugin from [Vendor]” in the Format Matrix.
*** FME Form only requires ArcGIS Pro to be installed and licensed when using most Esri-based formats or when accessing ArcGIS Pro’s Python environment. See Comparison of Esri-Based Readers and Writers in FME for more information. Also see Using FME Flow with Esri ArcGIS Software.
Additional Resources
- What are the build numbers of the Data Interoperability extension for versions of ArcGIS Pro?
- ArcGIS Data Interop & the FME Platform: Unlocking more possibilities for your data
- Using ArcGIS Pro with FME Form
- FME and ArcGIS Tutorials: