Visual Specification of Multidimensional Queries Based on a Semantic Data Model
Michael Böhnlein, Achim Ulbrich-vom Ende, Markus Plaha · 2002
In this paper, we presented a new approach of a visual multidimensional querying tool. Instead of introducing a new multidimensional query language or algebra, we focused on the support of the end users to transform easily their requirements into the syntax of a multidimensional query. To disburden the end user from memorization of the knowledge about the underlying multidimensional data structures, our tool bases on a graphical representation of the multidimensional schema in a Semantic Data Warehouse Model (SDWM). Starting from this graphical representation, the tool assists the user in specifYing multidimensional queries easily considering the corresponding integrity constraints. This lead to an improved interpretability of the query specification process The flexible architecture of the tool enables further extensions, for example to integrate a component for Microsofts OLE DB for OLAP and the specification of MDX (Multidimensional Extensions) queries The implemented prototypical tool is a further component of the Java Data Warehousing Toolsuite (Bohnlein, Plaha, Ulbrich-vom Ende 2001). This suite of prototypical tools has been developed to test research assumptions for the improvement of information quality in data warehouse systems. Currently the toolsuite comprises a modeling tool, an extraction and source analysis tool, a tool for the automatic historization during warehouse loading and a query specification tool