Blue Reports Definitions

Dimension

A dimension is a structure that categorizes data in order to enable users to answer business questions. The primary functions of dimensions are threefold: to provide filtering, grouping and labelling. These functions are often described as "slice and dice".  Slicing refers to filtering data. Dicing refers to grouping data.  Dimension data is typically collected at the lowest level of detail and then aggregated into higher level totals that are more useful for analysis. These natural rollups or aggregations within a dimension table are called hierarchies.

Hierarchy

Hierarchies are logical structures that use ordered levels as a means of organizing data. A hierarchy can be used to define data aggregation. For example, in a time dimension, a hierarchy might aggregate data from the day level to the week level to the month level. A hierarchy can also be used to define a navigational drill path and to establish a family structure such as College\Department\Major.

Measure

Measures are properties on which calculations (e.g., sum, count, average) can be made.  These metrics are numeric representations of a set of facts that have occurred, such as enrolled student count, degrees conferred, credit hours earned, etc.