Question

Explain various data region available in SSRS with their use

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Answer 1

Data regions are report items used to display data from a single dataset. You can perform grouping, sorting and various aggregate functions on data in data region.

In SSRS 2005, there were 4 data regions:

1. Table

2. Matrix

3. List

4. Chart

While in SSRS 2008, there are one additional data region namely Gauge.

Let’s explain each one of them:

1. Table : Table Data region has fixed tabular structure i.e. fixed number of columns. It is useful for displaying data grouped by row. You can have maximum of 1 report item per cell. The size of table depends on number of rows dataset fetches i.e. if number of rows returned by dataset is more; it can expand to multiple pages.

2. Matrix : A matrix data region display data in pivot table format, hence also popularly known as pivot table or crosstab report. It has minimum of one row group and one column group. The size of matrix data region depends on columns and rows fetched.

3. List : A list data region is free layout. It is useful for complex reporting resign. The list can be used to display multiple table and matrix. Each getting data from different dataset.

4. Chart : This data region is for displays the data graphically i.e., in form of chart. A various chart types are available in SSRS 2008 namely line, pie chart, columns etc.

5. Gauge : This can be used in a table or matrix to show the relative value of a field in a range of values in the data region. You can also add a gauge to the design surface to show a single relative value.

Answer 2

$\huge\red{ \mid{ \underline{ \overline{ \tt Table }} \mid}}$

A table is a data region that presents data row by row. Table columns are static: you determine the number of columns when you design your report. Table rows are dynamic: they expand downwards to accommodate the data. You can add groups to tables, which organize data by selected fields or expressions.

$\huge\green{ \mid{ \underline{ \overline{ \tt Matrix }} \mid}}$

A matrix is also known as a crosstab. A matrix data region contains both dynamic columns and rows: they expand to accommodate the data. A matrix can have dynamic columns and rows and static columns and rows. Columns or rows can contain other columns or rows, and can be used to group data.

$\huge\blue{ \mid{ \underline{ \overline{ \tt List }} \mid}}$

A list is a data region that presents data arranged in a freeform fashion. You can arrange report items to create a form with text boxes, images, and other data regions placed anywhere within the list.

$\huge\pink{ \mid{ \underline{ \overline{ \tt Chart }} \mid}}$

A chart presents data graphically. Examples of charts include bar, pie, and line charts, but many more styles are supported.

$\huge\purple{ \mid{ \underline{ \overline{ \tt Gauge }} \mid}}$

A gauge presents data as a range with an indicator pointing to a specific value within the range. Gauges are used to display key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics. Examples of gauges include linear and circular.

$\huge\orange{ \mid{ \underline{ \overline{ \tt Map }} \mid}}$

A map enables you to present data against a geographical background. Map data can be spatial data from a SQL Server query, an ESRI shapefile, or Microsoft Bing map tiles. Spatial data consists of sets of coordinates that define polygons that represent shapes or areas, lines that represent routes or paths, and points represented by markers. You can associate aggregate data with map elements to automatically vary their color and size. For example, you can vary the marker type for a store based on sales amount or the color for a road based on speed limit.