How to convert SPARX EA to Cameo Systems Modeler with Publisher?

By Yann Lebeaupin | 18/02/2025 | Reading time: 16 min

Many organizations rely on SPARX Enterprise Architect (EA) for UML and SysML modeling, while many others use Cameo Systems Modeler. For organizations working on a common project where teams use both tools, sharing models with a high degree of consistency and reliability may be a challenge. SodiusWillert Cameo Systems Modeler Publisher for SPARX Enterprise Architect is the alternative to manually recreating models and risking data integrity. It is a powerful plug-in that enables seamless and automated conversion of SPARX EA UML and SysML systems models into compatible and reusable Cameo Systems Modeler files in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll explore why teams may need to convert from SPARX EA to Cameo Systems Modeler, the key capabilities and benefits of our plug-in, and how the conversion process works.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Why Convert from SPARX EA Models to Cameo Systems Modeler?

2. SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler Main Capabilities

3. SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler step-by-step

4. SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler Benefits

 

1. Why Convert from SPARX EA Models to Cameo Systems Modeler?

In engineering organizations where MBSE practices are adopted, it is common to standardize the use of specific modeling tools to meet industry regulations or project mandates. This is particularly true in industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical industries where compliance with engineering practices is critical. 

Cameo Systems Modeler is one of the preferred tools for many organizations. When modeling projects mandate the use of Cameo Systems Modeler, but teams have historically worked in SPARX Enterprise Architect, the need for a reliable and efficient model conversion solution becomes critical.

Delivering a project in a required format 

In many industries such as aerospace, defense but also automotive, and medical fields, clients, partners, and regulatory bodies increasingly require that large-scale models must be readable and used in Cameo Systems Modeler. If a project mandates the use of Cameo Systems Modeler, but teams work in SPARX EA, then a compatible Cameo file becomes mandatory, and a reliable and efficient systems model conversion between these tools becomes essential to meet contractual obligations. 

Preserving data model integrity and years of organizations' know-how

How to convert large libraries of models with high intellectual value while preserving their integrity and not losing any information during the migration process? Indeed, the risk of losing data and knowledge accumulated sometimes over decades is a key concern for teams required to deliver models in the Cameo Systems Modeler format. In fact, without an automated conversion process, the alternative is to manually recreate models in Cameo. However, this procedure is not only time-consuming (it can take months or even years to recreate all model elements) but also prone to its own set of errors.  The risk is that key elements such as diagrams or relationships may not be recreated correctly or may be misinterpreted. Using a reliable conversion tool such as Publisher for Sparx EA ensures that models are accurately converted, the initial structure and intent are well-preserved, and that migration takes far less time. 

Enhancing and Unifying Collaboration

In large-scale systems engineering projects, it is common for teams to use different modeling tools based on their project requirements, expertise, and processes. While one team may rely on SPARX Enterprise Architect for UML and SysML modeling, another one might be required to use Cameo System Modeler because of its capabilities to support MBSE methodologies and industry compliance standards. In many cases, the customer or supplier may, for various reasons, need to use a different one. These mismatches can lead to collaboration challenges, data inconsistencies, and workflow inefficiency. With Publisher for SPARX EA, teams using SPARX EA can automate the conversion process for reuse in Cameo Systems Modeler.   

 

At SodiusWillert, we have years of experience developing the best quality software tools that help our customers exchange data between tools. Our Publisher product range is one (if not the only) of the most reliable and accurate systems model exchange software solutions on the market. Now, let’s see how systems engineering teams can easily convert SPARX Enterprise Architect models and deliver a file format that’s reusable in Cameo Systems Modeler. 

 

2. SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler Main Capabilities 

Diagrams’ behaviors and integrity preserved

You have the possibility to convert a wide range of SysML diagrams such as Use Case, Activity, State, or Sequence from SPARX Enterprise Architect into Cameo Systems Modeler. Your converted diagrams remain faithful to the original content, layout, and modeler intent while adopting the modeling style conventions of Cameo Systems Modeler.  

Please, note that Publisher for SPARX EA supports the conversion of composite diagrams to the Cameo Systems Modeler format.  

sequence diagram conversion_Publisher for SPARX EA

In this figure, you can see that newly converted Cameo Systems Modeler diagrams remain faithful to the original content 

 

Models remain in a secure and classified environment 

Your converted files are stored directly on your computer in your classified environment. Publisher for SPARX EA does NOT upload or process any of your models. Your data remains yours and under your sole control at all times.   

Model checking and reporting during conversion 

Publisher for SPARX EA allows you to identify, log, and report errors and mismatches directly in the source model. Because SPARX EA does not semantically constrain UML diagrams, Publisher detects EA invalid patterns and logs them, which saves you hours of analysis or rework.

Configurable user settings

Publisher for SPARX EA provides configuration files that enable teams to control and consistently apply predefined transformation methods and styling. These layout rules are applied at once during the conversion, preventing you from manual postprocessing actions. 

 

3. SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler step-by-step 

Here’s how simple it is to convert models from SPARX EA to Cameo Systems Modeler: 

  1. Retrieve the XMI 2.1 file from a project in Enterprise Architect (.xmi file with EA diagram extensions) 
  2. Run the publisher.exe 
  3. Select the Enterprise Architect UML or SysML to MagicDraw service 
  4. Name and select the MagicDraw output model destination. 
  5. Configure your publishing options 
  6. Click on Finish and monitor the progress. 
  7. Once completed, the MagicDraw project file will be located in the selection location. 

And that’s it!!

 

4. SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler Benefits 

One of the key advantages of this process is its simplicity, eliminating the need for dealing with complex and time-consuming technicalities and manual handling. Our Publisher for SPARX EA seamlessly converts your SPARX EA designs to Cameo Systems Modeler while preserving all original information, colors, and elements.  

This automated process ensures that you do not need to worry anymore about compatibility issues. The reliability and confidence provided by the plugin offer great peace of mind to our customers, guaranteeing perfect compatibility with Cameo Systems Modeler. Best of all, you can keep working on your favorite modeling tool! 

An infographic listing the benefits of SodiusWillert Publisher for SPARX EA.

 

Why not simply use XMI out of the box? 

XMI (XML Metadata Interchange) is a format specification produced by the Object Management Group (OMG). The XMI format allows the interchange of objects and models through an XMI formatted file and is commonly used to exchange UML models between other tools or software.  

There are several limitations to using XMI to exchange UML models between modeling tools.  

  • XMI does NOT include standard diagram layouts, there are part of specific proprietary extensions  
  • XMI does NOT map standard profiles across tool implementations 
  • XMI does NOT handle different tool implementations of the UML or XMI standards. 

 

Start Your Conversion Journey Now 

Converting large-scale systems models from SPARX Enterprise Architect to Cameo Systems Modeler compatible file formats doesn’t have to be painful anymore. With Publisher for SPARX Enterprise Architect, you can: 

  • Save time by converting your models in minutes instead of manually recreating them. 
  • Ensure accuracy by using a solution that maintains the integrity of your UML and SysML model elements and intent 
  • Improve collaboration by enabling teams to easily share models across different tools 
  • Encourage reusability by keeping models fully editable and scalable in Cameo Systems Modeler 

Publisher for SPARX EA allows teams to automate the conversion process from SPARX EA to Cameo and lets teams stay efficient, reduce manual work and errors, and meet project requirements with confidence. 

➡️ Are you ready to explore seamless model conversion?
Request a free 14-day trial now or contact us to see how it works. 

Yann Lebeaupin

Over the past 20 years at Sodius, Yann has played a pivotal role as a lead architect and MBSE expert, driving the development, management, and productization of solutions that enable digital continuity for systems and software engineering. As CTO since 2010, he oversees the definition and development of digital thread solutions, leveraging extensive hands-on experience in defense, automotive, aerospace, and space industries.

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