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Add a Degenerate Dimension

This section describes how to model degenerate dimensions, which are logical dimensions based on one or more columns in one or more fact datasets.

note

Unhandled NULL values in key columns will result in incomplete aggregate tables and unexpected query results. For more information, see Using Custom Empty Members For Levels And Attributes.

Create a degenerate dimension​

To create a single degenerate dimension:

  1. In Design Center, open a model and switch to the Canvas tab.
  2. Click the column in the fact dataset you want to base your dimension on and drag it onto the Canvas.

A degenerate dimension is automatically created based on the selected column, and linked to the fact dataset.

Bulk create multiple degenerate dimensions​

You can create multiple degenerate dimensions at once using the Bulk Create Degenerate Dimensions panel on the model Canvas.

To bulk create degenerate dimensions:

  1. In Design Center, open a model and switch to the Canvas tab.

  2. Select the fact dataset columns that you want to base your dimensions on by clicking on them. The selected columns are highlighted in black.

  3. Click the Create Dimension icon in the menu that appears above the dataset.

    image

    The Bulk Create Degenerate Dimensions panel appears. The panel is prepopulated with values based on the dataset columns you selected.

  4. Edit the following fields as needed:

    • Dimension Label: The name of the dimension, as it appears in BI tools. This value does not need to be unique.
    • Unique Name: The unique name of the dimension, as it appears in AtScale. This value must be unique across all repositories and subrepositories.
    • Description: A description of the dimension.
    • Hierarchy Label: The name of the initial dimension hierarchy, as it appears in BI tools. This value does not need to be unique.
    • Unique Name: The unique name of the initial hierarchy, as it appears in AtScale. This value must be unique within the dimension.
    • Description: A description of the initial hierarchy.
    • Level Label: The name of the initial dimension level, as it appears in BI tools. This value does not need to be unique.
    • Unique Name: The unique name of the initial level, as it appears in AtScale. This value must be unique within the dimension.
    • Description: A description of the initial level.
    • BI Folder: The folder in which the dimension appears in BI tools.

  5. Click Create Dimensions.

The new degenerate dimensions are added to the Canvas. Each has a relationship to the fact dataset column on which it is based. You can edit these objects as needed.