Adding dimensions, attributes, and hierarchies

In SSAS, dimensions are comprised of a group of attributes and hierarchies that define the dimension. Before we get into how, we need to discuss three key topics; that is, dimensions, attributes, and hierarchies:

• Dimensions are the slicers we use in our cubes to filter and segment our data for analysis. We defined our dimensions in Chapter 3, Preparing Your Data for Multidimensional Models.
• Attributes are the various related items in our dimension. For example, if we use the City dimension, the attributes include City Name, City Key, Country, State or Province, and Last Recorded Population. These are the fields we added to our DSV.
• Hierarchies help us organize our attributes. A hierarchy gives us a clear drill path into our data. In our City dimension, we will create a Geography hierarchy that consists of Country, State or Province, and City in that order. The goal of hierarchies is to be able move through our data in...