Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 12-34.
The Dimension Usage tab indicates how the DimDates dimension table and fact table are related
Reference Dimensions
Reference dimensions allow you to create a dimension that is indirectly linked to a fact table. To accomplish this,
you must identify an intermediate dimension table. As an example, we use the DimCategories table, which is
indirectly connected to the FactOrders table through the DimProducts table.
To create a reference dimension, start by creating the dimension as you would a regular dimension
(Figure
12-35
). Like role-playing dimensions, the configurations that turn a regular dimension into a reference
dimension do not happen in the dimension editor. They happen within the cube. Therefore, there are no
additional configurations to worry about in the dimension editor.
Figure 12-35.
Reference dimensions start out as regular dimensions
