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Dimension (Decision Support Objects)

Note

  This feature will be removed in the next version of Microsoft SQL Server. Do not use this feature in new development work, and modify applications that currently use this feature as soon as possible.

The Dimension object in Decision Support Objects (DSO) provides access to shared dimensions, virtual dimensions, and private dimensions in Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Analysis Services for several objects, including databases, cubes, partitions, and aggregations. Shared dimensions and virtual dimensions are accessed using the Dimensions collection of the DSO Database object, while private dimensions are accessed using the Dimensions collection of the DSO Cube object. Partitions and aggregations, associated with a source cube, also support access to the dimensions related to them. Partition and aggregation dimensions are also accessed by the Dimensions collection of the Partition and Aggregation DSO objects, respectively.

All four types of dimensions are supported with DSO objects. Each dimension object detailed in the following table uses the Dimension interface, with the ClassType property set to the appropriate value for the dimension type as shown.

Dimension type

Dimension object

Dimension class type

Database dimensions

DbDimension

clsDatabaseDimension

Cube dimensions

CubeDimension

clsCubeDimension

Partition dimension

PartitionDimension

clsPartitionDimension

Aggregation dimension

AggregationDimension

clsAggregationDimension

The Dimension object is used to:

  • Provide access to shared dimensions, virtual dimensions, and private dimensions in Analysis Services.

  • Create and edit levels for a shared dimension or private dimension.

  • Determine the various states of a shared dimension, virtual dimension, or private dimension, such as the temporary status and validity.

  • Process a shared dimension, virtual dimension, or private dimension.