Defining Report Datasets from Report Model Data Sources
New: 14 April 2006
Reporting Services provides a data processing extension that supports defining datasets from a Reporting Services report model data source. Using this data processing extension, you create a query to retrieve data from the underlying data source by referencing the report model metadata entities and fields that represent the underlying data source.
After creating a Report Server Model data source, you use the Report Model query designer to define the data to use. With this graphical query designer, you can create queries by dragging entities and fields to the design surface in Data view. Entities and fields you choose from the model become the fields in a Datasets window. When you switch to Layout view, you can organize and format the contents of your report just like any other Report Designer report. For example, you can create a report that contains conditional formatting, includes multiple datasets, and contains multiple data regions using different queries within a single report.
From Report Designer, you can create new reports from a report model or you can modify existing reports built using Report Builder and saved as files to your computer. You add these Report Builder reports to a Report Server project, and redefine the data sources for the report.
Note
Some additions you make to a report in Report Designer cannot be supported in Report Builder. Report Builder uses predefined templates and limited design elements. If you are editing a report built with Report Builder and plan to continue to use Report Builder, be aware that not all report elements that you can create with Report Designer can be supported by Report Builder.
Before attempting to access the Report Model query designer, you must successfully create a report model and deploy it to the report server. For more information, see Working with Models. For more information about the Report Model query designer, see SMDL Query Designer User Interface.
To Create a Dataset
On the Data tab, from the Dataset drop-down list, select <New Dataset>. On the Dataset dialog box, from the Data source drop-down list, select New Data Source. On the Data Source dialog box, from the Type drop-down list, select Report Server Model.
Specify a connection string to the model data source in the following format:
Server=http://<servername>/reportserver; datasource=/<modelpath>/<modelname>
For example:
Server=http://myreportservername/reportserver; datasource=/models/Adventure Works
Set the database credentials in the Data Source dialog box on the Credentials tab. For more information, see Connecting to a Data Source.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Create a Dataset (Report Designer)
Concepts
Ad Hoc Reporting with Report Models
Other Resources
SMDL Query Designer User Interface
Defining Report Data Sources
Report Model Query Designer F1 Help