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  • Where can I find non-spatial introductory tutorials for someone who wants to learn how to use FME (but doesn't care about the spatial stuff right now)?

FME training and tutorials appear to be a 'spatial first' - ie they assume that any new user wants to work with spatial data. But FME is fabulous for non-spatial data as well and this spatial-first approach is overly complex and off-putting for new non-spatial users.

Does anyone know of any introductory tutorials, videos, etc that teach new users how to use FME without dragging them through complex (and irrelevant to them) topics such as spatial formats, coordinate system, geometry processing algorithms, etc?

Thanks

I'd try encourage them to work through them even if they have no (current) interest in / requirement for spatial data.

 

Ultiamtely, spatial data is still data, just with a couple of extra fields for x/y/z

Hello @spatialcase​. I agree on both counts: our current training is pretty much "spatial first," but FME is by no means limited to spatial use cases. In an effort to address this for introductory content, I'm happy to say that the new Getting Started with FME Form tutorial lets you choose which data type to use: tabular, database, spatial, or web. Perhaps that can fill some of the gap?

As the use cases get more advanced, format or data-type-specific tutorials are probably best. You might refer to the database or web landing pages for some examples.

I'd try encourage them to work through them even if they have no (current) interest in / requirement for spatial data.

 

Ultiamtely, spatial data is still data, just with a couple of extra fields for x/y/z

Thanks for your hkingsbury. Unfortunately I have users who are finding it easier to learn about other ETL options than FME - simply because those other options use terms that are familiar to them and get to the point quickly (from out users points of view). They are put off FME by the 'spatial overhead'.

Hello @spatialcase​. I agree on both counts: our current training is pretty much "spatial first," but FME is by no means limited to spatial use cases. In an effort to address this for introductory content, I'm happy to say that the new Getting Started with FME Form tutorial lets you choose which data type to use: tabular, database, spatial, or web. Perhaps that can fill some of the gap?

As the use cases get more advanced, format or data-type-specific tutorials are probably best. You might refer to the database or web landing pages for some examples.

Thanks samastsafe, that does look helpful; I will pass it along.

Thanks samastsafe, that does look helpful; I will pass it along.

You are welcome. We'd be happy to receive any feedback on the new content.

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