Thomsen Diagrams

Thomsen Diagrams are the diagrammatic methodology developed by Erik Thomsen in 1997 [Erik Thomsen, 1997, OLAP Solutions: Building Multidimensional Information Systems (1st ed.), John Wiley] is essentially a metaphor for describing multi-dimensional data spaces in the OLAP system. In effect, it may be thought of as a multi-dimensional domain structure. In the structure, each dimension is represented by a vertical line, and hence each dimension is describer independently.

Every member of a dimension is represented by a unit interval on the line. A multi-dimensional model is built by combining the resultant lines for the particular dimensions.

The Thomsen diagrammatical technique is not based on angular defined dimensions, and is thus able to represent any number of dimensions. It may be referred to as a multi-dimensional type structure [Erik Thomsen, 1997, OLAP Solutions: Building Multidimensional Information Systems (2nd ed.), John Wiley] (MTS). The MTS permits the viewing of information about hierarchies and data flows, both within and between structures, hence enhancing the capabilities of the OLAP system.

References

External links

* Peter O'Donnell and Nick Draper 2004, An Experimental Evaluation of an Alternative to the Pivot Table for "Ad Hoc" Access to OLAP Data ( [http://s-cah-vishnu.infotech.monash.edu.au/dss2004/proceedings/pdf/60_ODonnell_Draper.pdf PDF] ) - Wherein Mr. Thomsen's diagrams are called "Thomsen Diagrams".