Adding dimensions to the FirstCube project
A dimension
in Analysis Services is a group of characteristics that describes a fact row. Previously, when working with the FirstCube project in this book, you have worked with dimensions such as date and product. These have all been dimensions with a direct relationship to the fact table. However, several other types of dimensions can be used in Analysis Services. In this chapter, we will add dimensions of different kinds to the cube.
Adding referenced dimensions
Sometimes, you do not have a direct relationship between the fact table and a dimension. An example of this is the Geography dimension. There is no GeographyKey column in the FactResellerSales table, instead, this column exists in the DimReseller table. Analysis Services solves this using something called a referenced dimension. To create a referenced dimension, perform the following steps:
Right-click on the Dimension folder in the Solution Explorer and choose to add a new dimension.
Select...
