From ER models to star schemas: mapping from operational databases to data warehouse designs
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: Dimensional modelling is a conceptual modelling technique developed for designing data warehouse structures. \tIt has become the predominant approach to designing data warehouses in practice and has proven to be highly \tsuccessful in developing database structures that can be used directly by end users. This paper examines the \tnature of dimensional modelling and its relationship to traditional Entity Relationship (ER) modelling. It shows \tthat a dimensional model is just a restricted form of an ER model, and that there is quite a straightforward \tmapping between the two. Understanding the relationship between the two types of models can help to bridge \tthe gap between operational system (OLTP) design and data warehouse (OLAP) design. It also helps to resolve \tthe difficult problem of matching supply (operational data sources) and demand (end user information needs) in \tdata warehouse design. Finally, it results in a more complete dimensional design, which is less dependent on \tthe designer’s ability to choose the “right” dimensions. The paper also reports some preliminary results from \tempirical testing of the approach.
Authors: Daniel L. Moody, Mark A. R. Kortink
Institution: Czech Technical University in Prague
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1546914789