Introduction
FME 2025.1 introduced a new feature, the Spatial Definition Table, designed to centralize and streamline the definition of spatial properties within writer feature types. This enhancement provides more precise control over how spatial columns are defined in the reader & writer feature type. In 2026.1, this was renamed to Geometry Definition Tables, and the feature's functionality remains unchanged from previous versions.
This article outlines the purpose of Geometry Definition tables, details how to use them, and summarizes the changes from previous versions of FME.
What are Geometry Definition Tables?
Geometry Definition (Spatial Definition) tables allow a user to more clearly see when spatial data is present on a reader or writer, including the name of the spatial column. The goal is to allow users to control when spatial data is written out, the spatial column name, and the geometry type of the output data.
The information contained within the Geometry Definition table includes:
- Spatial Column Name (geometry column)
- Geometry Type
- Spatial Type (if the format supports it)
Where can I find the Geometry Definition Table in my Reader?
In the Reader Feature Type parameters, go to the User Attributes tab. At the bottom of the dialog, you should now see the Spatial Definition table, which includes the spatial column name, geometry type, and spatial type.
Where can I find the Geometry Definition Table in my Writer?
In the Writer Feature Type parameters, go to the User Attributes tab. At the bottom of the dialog, you should now see the Spatial Definition table, which includes the spatial column name, geometry type, and spatial type.
How can I update my readers and writers?
If you have a workspace authored in an earlier version of FME, you can quickly update all the transformers in the Navigator pane. This does not update the readers and writers, however.
To update the reader or writer, right-click the reader or writer's name and select "update reader" or "update writer".
Next, you can select whether to update the reader only or the reader and feature types. Click OK to finish updating the reader.
See the documentation on updating readers and writers for more information.
Where has the Geometry Parameter in the Writer gone?
In previous versions of FME, the Geometry parameter was set in the writer feature type parameters. With FME 2025.1, geometry-related configuration is now handled through the Spatial Definition table.
FME 2026.1+
FME 2025.1-2025.2
FME 2025.0 and Older
Can I manually set the Geometry Type with the new Geometry Definition Table?
Yes, with the new Geometry Definition table, you can control the Geometry Type and the Spatial Column Name (if the format allows it).
To do so, set the Attribute Definition to Manual and then select the geometry type you’d like to use from the drop-down list.
The Attribute Definition can be set back to Automatic afterwards if you’d like. The available geometry types will differ depending on the writer's format. In the example below, we are using a File Geodatabase Writer.
If you want to keep your writer feature type in automatic mode, you can use a couple of different transformers prior to writing to help ensure the geometry is set properly. We recommend using the GeometryFilter, and, if needed, a GeometryCoercer.
Can I manually set the Geometry Column Name with the new Geometry Definition Table?
Yes, with the addition of the Geometry Definition table, users can now specify the output spatial column name for formats that support user-defined spatial column names.
There are some formats that have spatial column names but cannot be changed due to format requirement.
To do so, go to the User Attributes tab in the Writer Feature Type. Set the Attribute Definition to Manual, and then click on the current spatial column name to rename it. Click OK to save your changes.
Can I Prevent Spatial Data from Being Written?
To prevent the writer from writing spatial data, use one of the following methods:
1. Users can add a GeometryRemover prior to the writer to remove the geometry from their data. If there is no geometry present in the data, then FME will not write spatial data or create a spatial column.
2. When the Attribute Definition is set to Manual or Dynamic, users can uncheck the Geometry Definition (Spatial Definition) option. The ability to uncheck the spatial definition table depends on the format.
Summary
FME 2025.1 introduced Spatial Definition tables to centralize and improve visibility of spatial data properties in readers and writers. This new feature provides a clear indication of when spatial data is present. In 2026.1, this has been renamed to Geometry Definition, but the functionality remains the same.
Users now have control over the spatial column name, the output geometry type, and the spatial type (depending on the format) in the writer feature type.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Safe Software Support.