Dimension Properties

This dialog box displays the properties of a dimension in a multidimensional model.

A dimension (or more precisely, a cube dimension) is a first-class database object. It stores a list of values that serves as an index to the data stored in a cube. These values, or dimension members, represent all levels of aggregation. For more information about working with multidimensional data, see Oracle OLAP User's Guide and the online help for Analytic Workspace Manager.

General

Name: Name of the dimension. Examples: Customer, Product, Channel, Time

Use Natural Keys: Controls whether natural (source) keys or surrogate keys are used from the relational sources for the dimension members. If this option is enabled, source keys are read from the relational sources without modification. If this option is disabled, surrogate keys ensure uniqueness by adding a level prefix to the members while loading them into the analytic workspace.

Time Dimension: Controls whether the dimension is a Time dimension or a User dimension. If this option is enabled, you must define a Time dimension with at least one level to support time-based analysis, such as a custom measure that calculates the difference from the prior period.

Hierarchies

Lists hierarchies associated with the dimension. To view or edit a hierarchy definition, double-click its item. (See also Hierarchy Properties.)

Levels

Lists levels associated with the dimension. To view or edit a level definition, double-click its item. (See also Level Properties.)

Slow Changing Attributes

For a Slowly Changing Dimension (SCD), lists slowly changing attributes associated with the dimension. To view or edit an attribute definition, double-click its item. (See also Attribute Properties.)

Calculated Members

Lists calculated members associated with the dimension. A calculated member enables the summation (simple plus or minus) or aggregation (using the Aggregation operator for the cube) of a set of dimension members that are specified by a user. To add a calculated members, click the Add (+) icon; to remove a calculated members from the dimension definition, select it and click the Remove (X) icon.

Oracle Names

Short Name: Short descriptive name that can be used by applications instead of the long name.

Long Name: Long descriptive name, typically used for display.

Plural Name: Plural name (for reporting purposes). For example: Mydimensions if the Short Name is Mydimension

Description

Description of the dimension.

Comments, Notes, Responsible Parties, Documents, Summary

See Common Information in Dialog Boxes.