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.
Name
A simple name.
To provide default labels, use an underscore for spaces; Analytic Workspace Manager provides initial capitals automatically. For example, time_dim generates the name TIME_DIM and the label Time Dim.
You cannot change the name after creating the dimension.
ID
The fully qualified name.
This information appears on the property sheet after the dimension has been created; it does not appear on the initial dialog box.
Short Label
A short descriptive name for display, usually in mixed case.
Long Label
A long descriptive name for display, usually in mixed case.
Description
Additional descriptive text, which can include mixed case and spaces.
Dimension Type
Either User Dimension or Time Dimension . You cannot change the type after creating the dimension.
A Time dimension must have end date and time span attributes.
End date identifies the last day in each time period.
Time span identifies the number of days in each time period.
If you have a dimension with time periods for its members, but you do not have end date and time span attributes, then you can define the dimension as a user dimension. However, you cannot use a user dimension to perform time-based analysis.
Time dimensions must have at least one level to be usable in time series calculations.
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