As of FME 2024.0, support for Esri ArcGIS Online (AGOL), ArcGIS Enterprise Portal, and ArcGIS Server Feature Service formats has transitioned to a unified approach using the new Esri ArcGIS Feature Service (Format). This format replaces the legacy reader/writer formats for each of the three services.
Starting in FME 2026.1, the legacy formats will be hidden in the Quick Add menu. Instead, equivalent functionality is now provided by the downloadable Esri ArcGIS Connector package, available on FME Hub. The package also includes new web services and key transformers such as the ArcGISOnlineConnector, ArcGISAttachmentConnector, and ArcGISBranchVersionManager. The package can be installed directly through the Quick Add menu in FME Workbench. Once installed, the new Esri Feature Service format will appear in the Gallery as a unified method for interacting with all three types of Esri ArcGIS Feature Services.
For details on this transition, including guidance on updating existing workspaces, please refer to the article: Working with Esri ArcGIS Feature Services in FME.
Introduction
FME includes several custom transformers for geocoding using ArcGIS Online (AGOL). These transformers allow you to convert address information into geographic coordinates or perform reverse geocoding using coordinate values. Each transformer requires an AGOL account and uses service credits. While their core purpose is similar, they vary in how they accept input, handle requests, and support batch processing.
This article outlines the differences between the three available options:
ArcGISOnlineFindAddressCandidate
This custom transformer sends geocoding requests to ArcGIS Online using a full single-line address or separate address components. It’s useful when your data is split into parts like street, city, and postal code. The transformer can be edited after being embedded in a workspace to support additional parameters or customization.
Safe.Geocoder
Like the ArcGISOnlineFindAddressCandidate, this transformer uses AGOL’s geocoding service but only supports a single-line address input. It includes an option to use a token instead of a web service connection and supports reverse geocoding using coordinate values (latitude and longitude). It is more limited in terms of customization.
ArcGISOnlineBatchGeocoder
This transformer lets you send up to 1,000 addresses in a single request, reducing the number of HTTP calls and improving performance for large datasets. It is best suited for high-volume geocoding tasks that require efficiency.