We now enter the
dimension phase of the guided cube build, where we will begin our exploration
of the Calendar Time dimension.
Creating the Calendar Time Dimension with the Dimension Wizard
The Cube Wizard
now prompts us to select dimensions for our cube. The dimensions are, as yet,
undefined, and at this stage we will launch the Dimension Wizard to
begin designation of the dimensions.
26.
Click the New Dimension
button.
The
Dimension Wizard -- Welcome dialog appears, as shown in Illustration
15 below:
Illustration 15: The Dimension Wizard Appears
27.
Click Next.
The
Dimension Wizard prompts us to choose how we want to create the
dimension in the dialog that appears next.
28.
Click the radio button
alongside the Star Schema: A Single Dimension Table option, as shown
below:
Illustration 16: Select the Single Table Option
29.
Click Next.
We are prompted at the
next dialog to select the dimension table.
30.
Select the time_by_day
table in the Available Tables pane to populate the Details pane
to its right, as depicted in Illustration 17.
Illustration 17: Select time_by_day as the Dimension Table
We have the luxury of
choosing a separate time dimension table from the sample database -- a luxury
not afforded in some real world scenarios, as we discussed in the Where Do
You Find the Time...? section above.
31.
Click Next.
In the next dialog, we
are prompted to select the dimension Type. The Time selection
provides many pre-defined setpoints, and is based upon various common
assumptions that, in many cases, provide accurate and speedy setup of the time
dimension as part of rapidly creating a cube structure through the use of the
wizards. We will investigate these setpoints later in the lesson, and
determine which might serve as opportunities for customization.
32.
Click the radio button
immediately to the left of the Time Dimension option to select it.
The associated selector
dropdown list below our chosen option becomes activated, allowing us to choose
from more than one date field, when the wizard detects the presence of multiple
possible date columns. The dialog now appears as shown below:
Illustration 18: Selection of a Time Dimension Dimension Type
Page 7: Managing a Calendar Time Dimension (Continued)
» 
Comment and Contribute
