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Geometry Challenge - Create cutlines for map series following line

  • January 27, 2026
  • 3 replies
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galigis
Enthusiast
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Hi All,

I am working on an automation process to generate cutlines for use in a map series. These cutlines must have a consistent length and be positioned within the overlapping areas of the map sheets. In addition, the cutlines need to follow the orientation of the main alignment to support accurate mapping production. 

Below is an example illustrating the challenge:

 

I have tried several workarounds, but I have not been able to get it to work.

Any ideas?

Thanks :)

Best answer by geomancer

Not sure what you have tried already, so here is my attempt:

  1. Chop the line into features of 2 vertices (Chopper)
  2. Calculate the azimuth of each of these lines
  3. Get the overlaps of the polygons (AreaOnAreaOverlayer)
  4. For each overlap get the center point (CenterPointReplacer)
  5. For each center point find the nearest line (NeighborFinder, merge the attributes)
  6. From the results of the NeighborFinder you can create a line of your preferred length that is perpendicular to the line at that location

There is some nice math in the transformers AttributeManager_Line, VertexCreator_Start and VertexCreator_End 😉

The attached workspace was made with FME Form 2023.1.1.0

    3 replies

    geomancer
    Evangelist
    Forum|alt.badge.img+62
    • geomancerEvangelist
    • Evangelist
    • Best Answer
    • January 28, 2026

    Not sure what you have tried already, so here is my attempt:

    1. Chop the line into features of 2 vertices (Chopper)
    2. Calculate the azimuth of each of these lines
    3. Get the overlaps of the polygons (AreaOnAreaOverlayer)
    4. For each overlap get the center point (CenterPointReplacer)
    5. For each center point find the nearest line (NeighborFinder, merge the attributes)
    6. From the results of the NeighborFinder you can create a line of your preferred length that is perpendicular to the line at that location

    There is some nice math in the transformers AttributeManager_Line, VertexCreator_Start and VertexCreator_End 😉

    The attached workspace was made with FME Form 2023.1.1.0

      galigis
      Enthusiast
      Forum|alt.badge.img+21
      • galigisEnthusiast
      • Author
      • Enthusiast
      • February 2, 2026

      Thanks ​@geomancer - your solution did the trick! :)

      geomancer
      Evangelist
      Forum|alt.badge.img+62
      • geomancerEvangelist
      • Evangelist
      • February 2, 2026

      Always glad to help!

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