Specifications

176 CHAPTER 9 Reporting Services Enhancements
Sparklines
Like data bars, sparklines can be used to include a data visualization alongside the detailed
data. Whereas a data bar usually shows a single point, a sparkline shows multiple data points
over time, making it easier to spot trends.
You can choose from a variety of sparkline types such as columns, area charts, pie charts,
or range charts, but most often sparklines are represented by line charts. As you can see in
Figure 9-12, sparklines are pretty bare compared to a chart. You do not see axis labels, tick
marks, or a legend to help you interpret what you see. Instead, a sparkline is intended to
provide a sense of direction by showing upward or downward trends and varying degrees of
uctuation over the represented time period.
FIGURE 9-12 Sparklines
Indicators
Another way to display data in a report is to use indicators. In previous versions of Report-
ing Services, you could produce a scorecard of key performance indicators by uploading
your own images and then using expressions to determine which image to display. Now
you can choose indicators from built-in sets, as shown in Figure 9-13, or you can custom-
ize these sets to change properties such as the color or size of an indicator icon, or even by
using your own icons.