Create a reference to a dataset

[boddydan]

Hi everyone,

I have a dataset which is an SQL table imported via a DirectQuery. I'd like to create a few basic measures based on the imported data (such as adding 10 to each item in a specific column).

My problem is that I'd like to not have to remake my measures when I use different datasets. For example, I could have one dataset per city and I'd like to create the same measures for each city (all of the datasets are in the same format). I don't want to make these measures manually for each (because all measures are the same) so I'm looking of a more modular approach.

What I'm thinking is that I create a dataset which contains a reference to my original dataset that I can modify and add measures to. And then when I wish to change the dataset, I can simply change the reference so all of my measures remain, but the reference dataset is different.

Is there a way to do this in BI Desktop? Or alternatively is there a better way to achieve what I'm after?

Perhaps I could even have a dataset containing my measures which takes a dataset as an argument? So that my measures (constant functions) output the correct values based upon the input dataset?

Any help would be much appreciated,

Many thanks.

[Greg_Deckler]

@boddydan You should be able to create a dataset that is a composite model of the DirectQuery source and some other import Power BI dataset that would just contain your measures: Use composite models in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Docs