Datasheet

14
❘
CHAPTER 1 BUSINESS REPORTING PARADIGMS
Bullet charts (see Figure 1-15) exemplify a compact reporting element capable of displaying several
relative values in a small space. A single bullet chart, constructed from a linear gauge report item, plots
four separate values in a single thermometer or progress bar line.
FIGURE 1-15
Combining a bullet chart or other variations of gauges or charts with a table, list, or matrix is an
effective way to create intuitive reports. Graphics and icons can be used with standard bars to separate
different types of data elements. Figure 1-16 uses a graphic dot to plot goals and a bar to show grade
scores.
FIGURE 1-16
Maps
Geographical reporting has become a mainstream requirement for many reporting solutions. Map
reports can include data and visual elements from several sources. Geospatial data may be stored in
standard formats such as SQL Server spatial objects and data types, ESRI map objects, and map files.
Geographical boundary maps are available for many countries and other political regions, and may be
created for any geographical unit. SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) maps may be combined with
the Bing map service to show online aerial and street views.
Data points are plotted over maps to show address locations, regional data measurements, and points
of interest. These may be standard shapes, variable size bubbles, or customized icons. Figure 1-17
shows a Bing map of the Los Angeles area with the locations plotted for customers, based on data
points stored in a database table.