Dimension Types

There are three different types of Dimensions:

Common Dimensions are used to define the analysis context. When dates are part of this context you should use the Date Dimension as well.

Also, there is a way to declare a reference to a dimension defined elsewhere in a public dimensions model.

The Date Dimension is included in practically all analysis models, thus justifying the incorporation of special mechanisms for its treatment. Also, given its special characteristics, it is easier to manage as a separate dimension rather than incorporating it with the remaining dimensions.

O3 Designer simplifies the construction of these date dimensions by providing an automatic way to define their levels: year, semester, quarter, month, week and day.

To define a new dimension, you must be in the Design Tree at the Dimension branch or at a previously defined dimension node.

You can add a new dimension using the Insert Date, Add Date, Insert Dimension, or Add Dimension, Insert Reference to Dimension or Add Reference to Dimension commands available through the Toolbar, or in the File option of the Menu bar. These options are also available by right-clicking on the Dimension branch or a dimension node on the branch.

When the user opens a Datamart in O3 Browser, dimensons show up in the same order in which they were defined in the model. The initial view of the datamart consists of the first dimension in the X axis and the second one in the Series.