Adding dimensions, attributes, and hierarchies
In SSAS, dimensions are comprised of a group of attributes and hierarchies that define the dimension. Before we get into how, we need to discuss three key topics; that is, dimensions, attributes, and hierarchies:
- Dimensions are the slicers we use in our cubes to filter and segment our data for analysis. We defined our dimensions in Chapter 3, Preparing Your Data for Multidimensional Models.
- Attributes are the various related items in our dimension. For example, if we use the
City
dimension, the attributes includeCity Name
,City Key
,Country
,State or Province
, andLast Recorded Population
. These are the fields we added to our DSV. - Hierarchies help us organize our attributes. A hierarchy gives us a clear drill path into our data. In our
City
dimension, we will create aGeography
hierarchy that consists ofCountry
,State
orProvince
, andCity
in that order. The goal of hierarchies is to be able move through our data in...