PBI Dataset Reads data from a Dataflow ?

[curiouspbix0]

Trying to understand how does data gets read into a Power bI Dataset when  published with dataflow as one of the source.

1. Given I use Power Query to merge a Dataflow dataset with an other dataset in PBIX file to publish it, is this creating a copy of the Dataflow data into the Power BI dataset ? Or does the Power bI Dataset just read the data from dataflow dataset on the fly on service ?

2. In general, is the Power BI dataset a physical distinct copy of the resultant of the PBIX data model on Service ?

3. If there are 5 datasets published connecting the same dataflow , is that creating 5 copies of the dataflow or still referencing to one on service ?

[v-angzheng-msft]

Hi, @curiouspbix0 

May I ask if your problem has been solved?  If  so, could you please mark the post which helps as Answered since it is working now? It will help the others in the community find the solution easily if they face the same problem with you. Thank you.

[GilbertQ · Accepted solution]

Hi @curiouspbix0 

1. You are correct in that it will copy the dataset into the PBIX which is a duplicate from the data flow.

2. The PBIX file and dataset are the same singular item.

3. It will be creating 5 copies of the dataflow in each dataset.