Creating Dimension Elements

There are several methods for creating dimension elements as described in the following procedures:

Creating a Dimension Element from the Metadata Navigator

  To create a dimension element from the Metadata Navigator:

  1. In the Metadata Navigator, right-click on the folder where you want to store the dimension element, and select New and then Dimension Element.

    This opens the Edit Properties dialog box for the dimension element.

  2. Enter a Name and optional Description.

  3. Proceed to Defining or Editing General Properties for Dimension Elements to define the binding expression and, optionally, filters and sort order.

Creating a Dimension Element from the Data Source Navigator

  To create a dimension element from the Data Source Navigator:

  1. In the Data Source Navigator, navigate to the physical element upon which you want to base the dimension element.

  2. Select the element, drag it from the Data Source Navigator, and drop it on the folder where you want to store it in the Metadata Navigator.

    Note:

    You can select multiple table or column elements in the Data Source Navigator.

  3. Optional: Proceed to Defining or Editing General Properties for Dimension Elements to edit the binding expression and define filters and sort order.

Creating a Dimension Element from a Minischema

  To create a dimension element from the minischema:

  1. In the Data Source Navigator, expand the data source connection, expand the Minischemas folder, and select the minischema from which you will create dimension elements.

  2. Right-click the minischema and select Edit.

    You can also double-click the minischema to open it.

  3. In the minischema work area, drag an element from the diagram (such as an entire table or an individual column), and drop it on the folder where you want to store it in the Metadata Navigator.

    Note:

    You can also create a dimension element from the minischema by selecting table or column elements from the minischema diagram, right-clicking, and selecting Add to Metadata Navigator.

  4. Optional: Proceed to Defining or Editing General Properties for Dimension Elements to edit the binding expression and define filters and sort order.