Getting Started with ArcGIS Online Custom Transformers

Introduction

In FME, there are many ways to connect and utilize ArcGIS Online Services through our custom transformers.

What is ArcGIS Online?

ArcGIS Online is Esri’s cloud-based mapping software that lets you build interactive web maps. They provide analysis tools, such as the Routing Service, Geocoding, etc., to gain location intelligence. ArcGIS Online enables you to work effectively across your organization by collaboratively building and using maps that you can share within your organization or publicly. 

ArcGIS Online REST API

API (Application Programming Interface) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other over the web. The REST API allows the use of HTTP requests to access and use data such as read, update, or even create by calling a GET or a POST. You can create your own custom REST API workflows using the HTTPCaller with authorization with a token or web connection!

Why Use FME to Process ArcGIS Online Services?

• Process large datasets
• Create spatial data from X/Y coordinates
• Derive data from other data sources
• Incorporate ArcGIS Online information into your workflow
• Automate your workflow
• Use Case: 6 Ways Data Integration Enables You to Do More with ArcGIS Online
• Use Case: Food Desert Analysis Using ArcGIS Online and FME

Articles

Using the ArcGISOnlineServiceAreaCalculator

The Service Area Calculator is used to find the area that can be reached from the input location within a given travel time or travel distance using the ArcGIS Online REST API. 

Using the ArcGISOnlineGeoenricher 

The GeoEnrichment service finds demographic information and other location facts for places around the world using the ArcGIS Online REST API. 

Using the ArcGISOnlineFindAddressCandidates

The ArcGISOnlineFindAddressCandidate transformer uses the ArcGIS Online (AGOL) REST API to geocode addresses one location per request; the input address can be combined into a single input field or divided among multiple parameters.

Using the ArcGISOnlineRouter

The Routing Service is used to find the best way to get from one location to another or to visit several locations using the ArcGIS Online REST API.

Q&A: ArcGIS Online Geocoders

What is the difference between all of the ArcGIS Online geocoders? (ArcGISOnlineBatchGeocoder, ArcGISOnlineFindAddressCandidate, Geocoder)

Additional Resources

• Automatically Enhancing Excel Data and Publishing to ArcGIS Online
• How to use the EsriArcGISOnlineConnector
• Getting started with ArcGIS Online and Portal
• Quick Tips for ArcGIS Online frequently asked questions
• Push Data from an ArcGIS Online Feature Service to an Application in Real-time with Webhooks