What does the term "data lineage" refer to in Power BI?

The term "data lineage" in Power BI refers specifically to the visual representation of the data flow from the source to the report. This concept is crucial as it helps users understand how data is transformed and where it originates before reaching the final visualization. In Power BI, data lineage provides a comprehensive view of the journey that data takes within the system, which includes extraction from data sources, any transformations applied during the modeling phase, and how it ultimately appears in reports and dashboards.

Understanding data lineage is essential for data governance, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with data regulations, as it clarifies exactly how data is handled and transformed at every stage. This insight allows analysts and stakeholders to trust the data being used and to trace any issues back to their source, which is invaluable for maintaining data quality and reliability in decision-making processes.