Creating measure dimensions

Measure dimensions represent the quantitative data described by regular dimensions.

Known by many terms in various OLAP products, a measure dimension is simply the object that contains the fact data. Measure dimensions differ from fact query subjects because they do not include the foreign keys used to join a fact query subject to a dimensional query subject. This is because the measure dimension is not meant to be joined as if it were a relational data object.

For query generation purposes, a measure dimension derives its relationship to a regular dimension through the underlying query subjects. Similarly the relationship to other measure dimensions is through regular dimensions that are based on query subjects built to behave as conformed dimensions. To enable multiple-fact, multiple-grain querying, you must have query subjects and determinants created appropriately before you build regular dimensions and measure dimensions.

Model measure dimensions should be composed of only quantitative items. Because, by design, model measure dimensions do not contain keys on which to join, it is not possible to create joins to model measure dimensions. Instead of joining model measure dimensions to regular dimensions, create joins on the underlying query subjects. Then either manually create a scope relationship between them or detect scope if both dimensions are in the same namespace. Only measures are visible in the model measure dimension. Query items, such as keys, are hidden.

While you can use data source dimensions, they have limited functionality in comparison to query subjects or model dimensions. Discontinue using data source dimensions, both regular and measure. Define regular and measure dimensions as model objects based on data source query subjects or model query subjects or both.

You can add value by embedding calculations based on existing business rules, such as Profit Margin. You can change the order of measures, query items, and calculations. If the measure dimension contains a folder, you can change the order only in the Project Viewer. You cannot define hierarchies or levels for a measure dimension.