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Creating a Data Model (CX)

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Qtip: The data modeler and related functionality is not yet available to all customers. If you’re interested in this feature, please reach out to your XM Success Representative. Qualtrics may, in its sole discretion and without liability, change the timing of any product feature rollout, change the functionality for any in preview or in development product feature, or choose not to release a product feature or functionality for any reason or for no reason.

About Creating a Data Model

The data modeler can be used to create datasets where you flexibly combine data from multiple types of sources. The data modeler has nearly all of the features the data mapper does, but with some additional advanced functionality, such as left outer data joins. The data modeler also makes it easier than ever to map not just survey data, but data from your directory, tickets, and other data sources, while allowing you to combine them in the same dataset.

Qtip: Confused about what datasets are vs. data sources? Not sure how to tell the data mapper and modeler apart? Learn more about these and more key terms..
Qtip: You must have the new dashboard experience enabled to use data models.

Incompatible Features

The following features aren’t compatible with data models yet:

Creating a Dataset with the Data Modeler

  1. Create a new dataset.
  2. Under Type, select Data modeler (joins).
    Create a dataset page, shows data model selected under type
  3. Name your dataset.
  4. Click Create dataset.
  5. Click Add Source.
    Add source button is a single block on the left, opens a menu along the bottom of the page
  6. Under Source Data, choose a survey, ticket set, directory, or another external data source. Use the search bar and All source types drop-down to find a source.
    Qtip: Only tickets created from surveys can be mapped with the data modeler. You need to be either the owner of the associated survey or a collaborator with both Edit and View reports access.
    Attention: Only projects you have access to will appear in this list. If any projects aren’t showing up, make sure you have been invited to collaborate on them.
    Attention: Legacy distribution reporting is not compatible with the data modeler.
  7. When you’re ready to select a source, adjust the Quantity to 1 (or more, if desired).
    in menu along bottom of data modeler

    Qtip: It can be useful to add the same source more than once if you plan to perform separate unions and joins in your dataset. You cannot create a union or a join with multiple copies of the same source.
  8. Select all the fields you want to include in your dataset. You can click on different types of data, like “Metadata”, to see only those fields, or use the search bar to search for specific fields.
    Qtip: When selecting fields to include in your data model, think about which fields will be important when analyzing your data. Fields that are commonly included are survey questions, important metadata, and the field you plan on using to join your datasets.
    Qtip: Once you click out of this menu, it will disappear. To return, reselect the source, then go to the Schema tab.
    Sources are the leftmost boxes in the modeler; clicking them opens a menu along the bottom
  9. Add more data sources, or perform joins and unions. See linked pages for more details.
    Union is a green block. Rightmost block always has a plus sign next to it to add more elements

    Qtip: If you want to report on 2 different surveys with 2 years worth of feedback data, you’ll most likely use a union. If you want to create a list of all of the customers who reached out across those years, you’d use a join.
  10. Once you’ve finished, click the plus sign ( + ).
  11. Select Output Data Set.
  12. Check the Dataset Editor for accuracy. Here, you can find all of your data fields.
    Dataset editor tab opened in menu along bottom of page; publish button in upper-right of page

    Qtip: If needed, you can always edit these fields later.
  13. Select Publish.
    Qtip: this will take you back to the Data page. See how to add your dataset to a dashboard.
Qtip: You can adjust the size of the bottom menu in the data modeler so you can see all of your options. Just click the line and drag it to change the size.
The menu along the bottom has a thick gray line along the top you can drag and drop

Types of Sources Available in Data Models

A dataset gets its data from specific sources in Qualtrics. Data sources are often surveys, but there are many other sources you can add to data models.

Attention: You can only use projects you have access to as data sources. If any projects aren’t showing up, make sure you have been invited to collaborate on them.
Qtip: Not all Qualtrics projects can be used as data sources in CX data models. For example, while surveys are compatible, Engagement projects are not. If you’d like to create data models with employee project data, see Employee Journey Analytics instead.

Dashboards You Can Add Data Models To

Data models can only be added to the following types of dashboards:

See Dashboard Data for steps to add your completed data model to your dashboard.

This feature cannot be used with any Employee Experience dashboards or with Results Dashboards. For a similar Employee Experience feature, see Data Models.

FAQs