How to update available EPSG coordinate systems?

There is a guide about creating new ones:

https://docs.safe.com/fme/html/FME-Form-Documentation/FME-Form/Workbench/coordinate_sys_custom_about.htm

I have never needed this, so I have no idea how complex it is to create a new one.

I’m loath to create cutom definitions of things that are already authoritatively described. That bakes in opportunities to make mistakes from typos and what not (in addition to simply being cumbersome). That said, it’s good to know this path exists when really needed.

Yeah, I know the feeling 😅

Unless anyone has a better way, you could create an Idea asking Safe Software to add them: https://community.safe.com/ideas

It is not a given that they would add them, but at least they’ll read the request.

Here’s an existing idea for this:

• Update all available Coordinate Systems with EPSG Codes Open
• 14 Votes

Thanks Dave, I didn’t know that and will file that away for remembering when needed later. However in the case that sparked this thread neither of those transformers are being used. I’m joining 2 source layers - a feature class and a shapefile - that have identical but differently named coordinate systems, and FME is not liking that. I’m overriding via Coordinate System parameter but can’t use the right EPSG code.

Hi @mattwilkie,

There are a few things you can try in this case:

1. CSMAP has many coordinate systems that are not mapped to EPSG codes. Check the incoming coordinate system parameters to see if you can find a non-EPSG code match.
2. Create a new coordinate system from the Shape file PRJ file, using the online app at fme.ly/coordsys. If you copy the contents of the PRJ file into the Esri WKT box on the first page, the app will try to autogenerate most of the new coordinate system settings for you. Check the accuracy of these settings on the second page, add a name and EPSG code, and you have the new coordinate system you need.
3. FME will create temporary coordinate systems from both the Shape and feature class input when reading them, and the names will be consistent from run to run. Use the Data Inspector to see what coordinate system name is given to the feature class, then use a CoordinateSystemSetter on the Shape data stream to override the coordinate system with that name. You do not have to choose a coordinate system name form the Gallery - you can type directly into the text box (case-sensitive.)

I’ve tested PROJReprojector with our data and it works perfectly, thanks! I will make PROJ the default for all our things. It’s been around since 1983 and syncs with EPSG frequently. I’ll be surprised if I encounter something it can’t deal with.

Warning: there’s a serious bug in some versions of PROJReprojector in FME Desktop (Form) - trying to type in the [destination coordinate system] field instead of using the drop down picker will induce a freeze and rapid memory leak, leading to a hard FME crash.

Update your FME to FME 2024.1.1.1 or higher to remove the problem. You can download the latest FME from safe.com/download.