How-to: Organization Chart from Multiple Tables

Sample Downloads

The following samples demonstrate how to describe the table tree (table hierarchy) and load data into the org chart control.

• Winform Sample: Download DesignerSample
• Webform (ASP.NET) Sample: Download OrganizationChart4TablesWeb

Data Hierarchy

Following is a sample hierarchy of data:

Tables and Data Structure

Following is a list of tables to describe the above scenario. Please refer to the samples above to see how to specify the table hierarchy to the chart control.

Output: Table Organization Chart

Following is the organization chart created from the above set of tables and data.

Applications

The above technique can be used for a database in any sort of application where tables and data are linked through primary-key/foreign-key relationships. Please note the following:

• The explicit primary-key/foreign-key relationship described in the database is not strictly necessary. You have to specify the relationship in your code.
• An explicit database is not necessary. You are basically loading the chart from standard DataTables.
• It is not necessary to describe the leaf data always (if you have a lot of data). You can use the navigation facility from the node-click (that will provide the selected table and ID) to populate the details in a wider form. Refer to DrillDownModeType for client-side and server-side navigation methods.
• The important thing is that you (and the end-user) get a consolidated and quick way to work with the application database.
• Key methods used are HierarchyTable.Add() and HierarchyData.LoadFromTables().

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