A cross tab displays data in a row-and-column matrix that has a spreadsheet‑like appearance. The cross tab is ideal for summarizing data in a compact and concise format, and displays summary, or aggregate, values such as sums, counts, or averages. A cross tab groups these values by one set of data listed down the left of the matrix and another set of data listed across the top of the matrix.
Figure 4‑1 shows a cross tab that displays sales totals by state and by product line.
Figure 4‑1 Displaying sales by state and product line in a cross tab
The cross tab uses data from the state, product line, and extended price fields. A cross tab typically uses data from at least three fields, as follows:
One field populates the column headings in the cross tab. There is one column for each unique value in the field. In the example shown in Figure 4‑1, four unique values from the Product Line field—Classic Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks and Buses, and Vintage Cars—appear in an area called the column area.
One field populates the row headings in the cross tab. There is one row for each unique value in the field. In this example, two unique values from the state field, CA and NV, appear in the row area.
Report Studio aggregates the values in one field and displays these values in the cross tab cells. In this example, each cell displays a revenue total by product line and state. In this example, revenue totals are calculated using the SUM function on the values in the Extended_Price field. Totals appear in the detail area.
You can use Report Studio to insert a cross tab in a BIRT design, select data for the cross tab, and specify the aggregate data to display. You can also define a bookmark for a cross tab, and then create a hyperlink from another report that links to the bookmarked cross tab element.
You can then use Interactive Crosstabs Component, which requires a separate license, to edit data in the cross tab, format the data values, and modify cross tab data. You can access Interactive Crosstabs from Report Studio and Interactive Viewer Component.
One field populates the column headings in the cross tab. There is one column for each unique value in the field. In the example shown in Figure 4‑1, four unique values from the Product Line field—Classic Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks and Buses, and Vintage Cars—appear in an area called the column area.