There are 36 functions, referred to as factories, that are capable of translating multiple features in a batch process. FME was designed to make complex GIS data conversions simple and easy to repeat. The key to this seemingly contradictory requirement is FME's semantic mapping file, which controls every aspect of data translation and, after setup, can be distributed and reused. However, new users don't have to start from scratch when constructing semantic mapping files. Defining semantic translation According to OpenGIS specifications, semantic translators are key to interoperating with spatial data.
Semantic translators allow data model changes to be accomplished during translation.
To best understand the significance of semantic translation, it's appropriate to review traditional translation. Traditional translation is sometimes compared to a thin pipe that connects one data source to another to provide a simple and straightforward approach to accessing foreign data. Traditional translators usually operate one way only, and, in some cases, they're oriented towards particular datasets. Semantic translation differs in several important ways, and the effort required by providers and consumers, as well as the associated data management costs, can be considerably less. Underlying the engine is a rich data model that's internally consistent and inherently extensible.