Abstract
We present a novel framework for comprehensive exploration of OLAP data by means of user-defined dynamic hierarchical visualizations. The multidimensional data model behind the OLAP architecture is particularly suitable for sophisticated analysis of large data volumes. However, the ultimate benefit of applying OLAP technology depends on the “intelligence” and usability of visual tools available to end-users.
The explorative framework of our proposed interface consists of the navigation structure, a selection of hierarchical visualization techniques, and a set of interaction features. The navigation interface allows users to pursue arbitrary disaggregation paths within single data cubes and, more importantly, across multiple cubes. In the course of interaction, the navigation view adapts itself to display the chosen path and the options valid in the current context. Special effort has been invested in handling non-trivial relationships (e.g., mixed granularity) within hierarchical dimensions in a way transparent to the user.
We propose a visual structure called Enhanced Decomposition Tree to to be used along with popular “state-of-the-art” hierarchical visualization techniques. Each level of the tree is produced by a disaggregation step, whereas the nodes display the specified subset of measures, either as plain numbers or as an embedded chart. The proposed technique enables a stepwise descent towards the desired level of detail while preserving the history of the interaction. Aesthetic hierarchical layout of the node-link tree ensures clear structural separation between the analyzed values embedded in the nodes and their dimensional characteristics which label the links. Our framework provides an intuitive and powerful interface for exploring complex multidimensional data sets.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Business Objects, S.A.: BusinessObjects OLAP Intelligence (2005), [Online].Available: http://www.businessobjects.com/products/queryanalysis/olapi.asp
Chabot, C., Hanrahan, P., Stolte, C., Brown, K., Walker, T., Johnson, E., Mackinlay, J.: Tableau software (2005), [Online]. Available: http://www.tableausoftware.com
Chaudhuri, S., Dayal, U., Ganti, V.: Database technology for decision support systems. Computer 34(12), 48–55 (2001)
International, C.N.S.: DataWarehouse Explorer (2005), [Online]. Available: http://www.dwexplorer.com/products/producttour
Codd, E.F., Codd, S.B., Salley, C.T.: Providing OLAP (on-line analytical processing) to user-analysts: An IT mandate. Technical report, E.F.Codd & Associates (1993)
Cognos Software Corporation, “Cognos PowerPlay: Overview–OLAP Software,” (2005), [Online]. Available: http://www.cognos.com/powerplay
Eick, S.G.: Visualizing multi-dimensional data. SIGGRAPH Comput. Graph. 34(1), 61–67 (2000)
Herman, I., Melançon, G., Marshall, M.S.: Graph visualization and navigation in information visualization: A survey. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics 6(1), 24–43 (2000)
Keim, D.A.: Information visualization and visual data mining. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics 8(1), 1–8 (2002)
Microsoft, “Microsoft Excel –User’s Guide,” Redmond, Wash (1995)
Nguyen, Q.V., Huang, M.L.: Space-optimized tree: a connection+enclosure approach for the visualization of large hierarchies. Information Visualization 2(1), 3–15 (2003)
Niemi, T., Nummenmaa, J., Thanisch, P.: Logical multidimensional database design for ragged and unbalanced aggregation. In: Design and Management of Data Warehouses, p. 7 (2001)
Tan, V.K.P.-N., Steinbach, M.: Introduction to Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques. Addison Wesley, Reading (2006)
Pedersen, T.B., Jensen, C.S.: Multidimensional database technology. IEEE Computer 34(12), 40–46 (2001)
Pedersen, T.B., Jensen, C.S., Dyreson, C.E.: Extending practical preaggregation in on-line analytical processing. The VLDB Journal, 663–674 (1999)
ProClarity, “Business management software overview,” (2005), [Online]. Available: http://www.proclarity.com/products
Reingold, E., Tilford, J.: Tidier drawing of trees. IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering 7, 223–228 (1981)
Richard, R.D.B., Wilson, M.: Dynamic hierarchy specification and visualization. In: Proceedings of the 1999 IEEE Symposium on Information Visualization, p. 65 (1999)
Shneiderman, B.: Tree visualization with tree-maps: 2-d space-filling approach. ACM Trans. Graph. 11(1), 92–99 (1992)
Stolte, C., Tang, D., Hanrahan, P.: Polaris: A system for query, analysis, and visualization of multidimensional relational databases. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics 8(1), 52–65 (2002)
XMLA, “Report Portal: Zero-footprint olap web client solution,” (2005), [Online]. Available: http://www.reportportal.com
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Vinnik, S., Mansmann, F. (2006). From Analysis to Interactive Exploration: Building Visual Hierarchies from OLAP Cubes. In: Ioannidis, Y., et al. Advances in Database Technology - EDBT 2006. EDBT 2006. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 3896. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/11687238_31
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/11687238_31
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-32960-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-32961-9
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)