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Working with Data Regions (Report Builder 2.0)

To display data from a report dataset, use a data region. With a data region, you can group, sort, filter, and aggregate data from a single dataset. Reporting Services provides several types of data regions: table, matrix, list, chart, and gauge. The table, matrix, and list data regions are templates based on the Tablix data region, and they can be combined in unique ways to customize data presentation. Charts provide a graphical view of data and aggregates. Gauges provide a relative indicator in a range, for example, for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The type of data region you choose depends on your data: the amount of data, the range in data values, and what you want to convey in your report.

To make the best choice of data region to use to display report data, it helps to understand the characteristics of your data and the purpose of the report. The following list describes the features of each data region:

  • **Table   **A table displays detail data or data grouped by row. A table has a fixed number of columns. The table expands down the page as needed. You can display all the detail data, row by row, or group the data by creating row groups. Row groups can be nested or adjacent. A row group displays a dynamic row down the page for each value in the group, which is determined at run-time. You can also add static rows for labels or totals. You can add totals to the table or to a specific group.

  • **Matrix   **A matrix displays data grouped by row and column. A matrix provides similar functionality to cross-tabs and PivotTable dynamic views. A matrix has at least one row group and one column group. The matrix expands across the page for column groups and down the page for row groups. The matrix cells display summary and aggregate values scoped to the intersections of the row and column groups. You can create additional nested groups and adjacent groups. The number of rows and columns in a matrix depend on the values for each group, determined at run-time. You can also add static rows for labels or totals. You can add totals to the table or to a specific group.

  • **List   **A list displays data in a free-form format. For example, you might use a list to design a form or display both a table and a chart. Arrange text boxes anywhere in the list to create your layout. The list row repeats one time for each value in the dataset.

  • **Chart   **A chart displays data graphically. Charts help visualize summary and aggregate data. For more information, see Chart Types (Report Builder 2.0).

  • **Gauge   **A gauge displays an indicator within a range of values. Gauges 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, for example, as a KPI. You can also add a gauge to the design surface to show a single relative value.

You can arrange more than one data region in a report. Data regions can be placed side by side in the report body or in a rectangle container, or can be nested in other data regions. Multiple data regions can provide different views on the same dataset or similar views on different datasets.

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