sparse and dense in hyperion

Question

I am new to Hyperion Essbase.

What is the difference between a SPARSE and DENSE Dimension? Is there any documentation that could help me with this?

Answer 1

FYI: Go through this link, it covers how the Hyperion works and it will cater your problem too.

https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E12825_01/epm.111/esb_dbag/frameset.htm?dinconc.htm

Thanks.

Answer 2

In Essbase, there are two type of database. 1. ASO 2. BSO

For BSO, Essbase divided dimension into two type(dense and sparse) Dense dimension : those who have high availability of data. Sparse dimension: those have less availability of data.

In Essbase, *data store in data block. *dense member decide the size of data block. *sparse member decide the location of the data block(.ind).

Answer 3

The Essbase Database Administrator's Guide contains all the information you need to know about SPARSE versus DENSE dimensions in the Essbase multidimensional database.

From the guide:

Most multidimensional databases are inherently sparse; they lack data values for the majority of member combinations. A sparse dimension is one with a low percentage of available data positions filled.

When you think of the essbase cube, think of your DENSE dimensions as the axis of the cube (X, Y, Z). There are always data points (even if they're empty) for all intersections of (X, Y, Z).

Think of your SPARSE dimensions as a group of these cubes, which only exist if there is data existing for that value of the sparse dimension.

Data is only stored on disk for a SPARSE dimension's value when that data actually exists.