How to Work with Map Reports in SQL Server

In this article, we look at planning a map report using SSRS and look at several facts ranging from choosing a map type to planning for legends.

A Good report is filled with statistical insights and study that motivates people to take actions. In order to present such analytical data relating to numbers or demographics or geographic background, can be presented by inserting maps in your Reporting Services.

How to Work with Map Reports in SQL Server

These maps can contain layers, in which each layer can signify a different element which is specified by a certain category of spatial data that points at different locations, routes can be represented by lines or polygons that can be used for representing areas. The user can associate their analytical data with the help of a map and different elements on its every layer.

Purpose of a Map Report

A map can be used for describing a different form of data, here are a few things which a user can review using a map in his/her report. Here we will take an example of a store to understand how maps can be beneficial.

  • It can help the user in determining the relative sales and purchase for each store.
  • Sales can be categorized by the customer demographics; this can help in seeking new and old customers based on their location and store locations.
  • Analysis of sales territory, by forming a thorough report determining financial data as well as the comparative sales.
  • Comparative sales made from different discount coupons and strategies across different stores.

After the user has identified the purpose of the map display, he/she needs to analyze what data they need. Analytical data is generated from report datasets. And location data is generated from spatial data sources which are specified by the user.

Types of Data

Analytical data is generated from a report dataset, or from analytical data which is included in spatial data comprising in an ESRI Shapefile.

Spatial data can be categorized in three forms: points, polygons, and lines. A spatial data field is also used for coordinating with a set of areas that define a location using one of the three options mentioned below the point, line, or polygon.

Points – Points are used for specifying locations, for example, an address of a customer, a city, restaurant, or a convention center. For each location that the user wants to display on the map, the user must offer a spatial data for that particular location. After the user has inserted points on the map, he/she can display the point location using a marker and different location can vary based on different marker color, size, and type.

Lines – Lines are used for specifying paths or routes, for instance, flight paths or delivery routes. After a user adds a line on a map, he/she can vary between the path and route of any given location based on line width and line color.

Polygons – Polygons are used for specifying particular areas, for example, territories, countries, regions, states, provinces, cities, counties, or any areas covered by a city, postal codes, census districts or telephone exchanges. After a user inserts or attaches polygons in a map, in addition with displaying the outlines, he/she can use a marker to point out the area of the polygon that the user wants to specify.

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Author Introduction:

Victor Simon is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including access recovery and sql recovery software products. For more information visit www.datanumen.com

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