Azure Analysis Services Tutorials

Add Tables to Your Model

This tutorial guides you through the process of adding tables from your data sources to your Azure Analysis Services tabular model. We'll cover connecting to a data source, selecting tables, and understanding basic import options.

Prerequisites

Steps to Add Tables

  1. Open Your Tabular Model Project: In Visual Studio, open your existing Azure Analysis Services tabular model project or create a new one.
  2. Access the Table Import Wizard: In Solution Explorer, right-click on the Models folder and select Add Table.... This will launch the Table Import Wizard.
    Image: Screenshot of Solution Explorer highlighting "Add Table..."
  3. Connect to a Data Source:

    In the wizard, select your data source type from the list. Common options include:

    • SQL Server
    • Azure SQL Database
    • Analysis Services
    • Excel
    • ODBC

    Enter the connection details (server name, database name) and click Connect.

    Image: Screenshot of the "Connect to Data Source" dialog in the Table Import Wizard
  4. Select Tables and Views: After successfully connecting, you'll see a list of available tables and views from your data source.

    Check the boxes next to the tables you want to import into your model. You can preview the data for each table by clicking on its name.

    You can also use the Select From Other Tables button to see related tables based on existing relationships, simplifying the selection process.

    Image: Screenshot of the "Select Tables and Views" screen in the Table Import Wizard
  5. Transform Data (Optional):

    Before importing, you have the option to transform your data. Click the Transform Data button to open the Power Query Editor.

    Here, you can:

    • Filter rows
    • Remove columns
    • Change data types
    • Merge or append queries
    • Create custom columns

    This step is crucial for cleaning and shaping your data before it enters the Analysis Services model.

    Image: Screenshot of the Power Query Editor with transformation options
  6. Import Data: Once you've selected your tables and applied any necessary transformations, click Finish in the Table Import Wizard.

    The wizard will now import the selected data into your tabular model. You'll see a progress indicator.

    Image: Screenshot showing data import progress
  7. Review Imported Tables: After the import is complete, the wizard will show a summary. Click Close.

    Your newly imported tables will now appear in the Model Designer, alongside any existing tables. You can begin creating relationships and measures.

    Image: Screenshot of the Model Designer showing newly added tables

Next Steps

With your tables imported, the next logical steps are to establish relationships between them and create meaningful measures to power your business intelligence reports.