This work was done in collaboration with Safe Software partner Nordend.
Decision and policy makers rely on accurate, connected data to operate efficiently. From transportation networks and public infrastructure to green spaces and utilities, information needs to move seamlessly between teams and systems to support effective planning, maintenance, and decision-making. Across Belgium and the Netherlands, Nordend helps public institutions and private organizations improve how they manage spatial data through the power of FME.
1. Standardizing road asset data for the Agency for Roads and Traffic
The Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) in Flanders manages extensive datasets covering infrastructure assets such as cameras, road surfaces, and trees. To enhance data quality and ensure consistency, FME was used to migrate these records into a new Object Type Library (OTL) data standard.
This migration not only standardized the agency’s data but also maintained compatibility with legacy systems. By integrating hundreds of thousands of records, AWV established a uniform framework that supports better asset management and more informed decision-making. As a result, the agency now benefits from a clearer, more accurate overview of its infrastructure network.
2. Maintaining rail infrastructure with Infrabel
For Belgium’s national railway operator, Infrabel, having up-to-date and accessible track information is essential. Nordend used FME to combine OpenStreetMap data with Infrabel’s own datasets, producing digital maps that help field workers locate and access railway sites more easily.
Infrabel later expanded the collaboration to improve its schematic rail plans. Using automated FME workflows, Nordend linked thousands of diagrams into a single topological network. This reduced manual corrections, improved data consistency, and provided a complete view of Belgium’s rail infrastructure.
3. Structuring city and construction data
The City of Ghent’s ICT organization, District09, partnered with FME experts to bring greater structure and security to its spatial data environment. Using FME Form and FME Flow, a governance framework was established for data validation, testing, and release management. This strengthened collaboration across departments and improved control over how spatial data is shared, maintained, and secured.
In the construction sector, BESIX improved how underground utility information from the Flemish KLIP platform is managed. Through FME Flow automation and Esri Field Maps, field data can now be updated and synchronized centrally, linking BIM, CAD, and GIS workflows into a single, streamlined process.
4. Managing green spaces for Brussels Environment
Brussels Environment, the regional agency responsible for environmental policy, required a reliable system to manage data on public green spaces. A new PostGIS data model was designed and paired with automated FME workflows to update and maintain data quality.
This centralized approach allows multiple departments and municipalities to access the same, up-to-date dataset. The improved database supports urban planning and environmental management, ensuring that policy decisions are based on accurate, current information about the city’s green landscape.
5. Improving map production at Reijers Cartografie
At Reijers Cartografie, a Dutch mapmaking company, efficiently integrating OpenStreetMap (OSM) data had long been a challenge. FME was used to structure and filter OSM data into organized layers stored within a PostGIS database.
A custom web application now enables the team to select specific areas of interest and export only the required data for map production. This process supports the creation of accurate, tailored maps for cycling, hiking, and tourism, reducing manual effort while maintaining data precision.
Turning data into smarter cities
From managing infrastructure to protecting the environment, FME empowers organizations to transform complex spatial data into meaningful, actionable insights. Its ability to connect systems and automate workflows ensures accuracy, consistency, and seamless collaboration throughout each project.
Explore FME solutions to see how data can drive smarter decisions.
Visit the Nordend partner page to learn more about their work with FME in Belgium and now in the United States.
