Tag: Dot

A category of software tools that provides analysis of data stored in a database. OLAP tools enable users to analyze different dimensions of multidimensional data. For example, it provides time-series and trend-analysis views. The chief component of OLAP is the OLAP server, which sits between a client and a database management system. The OLAP server… Continue reading Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)

A method in which programmers define not only the type of data structure, but also the types of operations (functions or procedures) that can be applied to the data structure. In this way, the data structure becomes an object that includes both data and functions. In addition, programmers can create relationships between one object and… Continue reading Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

A type of database that is optimized for data warehousing and online analytical processing (OLAP) applications (see online analytical processing). Multidimensional databases are frequently created using input from existing relational databases. MDB denotes the ability to process the data in the database quickly so that answers can be generated immediately.

Acronym for “millions of instructions per second.” MIPS is sometimes mistakenly considered a relative measure of processing capability among computer models and products, but it is a meaningful measure only among versions of the same computer processors configured with identical peripherals and software.

A small subset of a data warehouse used by a small number of users. The mini mart is a very focused slice of a larger data warehouse.

Information that describes or characterizes data. Metadata are used to provide documentation for data products. In essence, metadata answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how about every facet of the data that are being collected and documented.

A mechanism that keeps the specific physical address of data or an object unknown to the user. This is done by resolving the location of the data within the system so that operations on the data can be performed without knowledge of its actual physical location.

A system for storing, maintaining, and retrieving location information. One technique is to locate a specific position with respect to a known point. While spatial features are typically located using planar (two-dimensional) referencing systems like geographic coordinates, many transportation features—roads, bridges, and other structures—are located using linear (one-dimensional) referencing systems including the route-milepost system. A… Continue reading LocationReference System

Also called “data mart.” A database that serves individual systems and workgroups as the end point for shared data distribution. LADs are the “retail outlets” of data warehouse networks. They provide direct access to the data requested by specific systems or desktop query services. Data are propagated to LADs from data warehouses according to orders… Continue reading Local Access Database (LAD)

An older computer system or application program that an agency continues to use. Many legacy systems are unable to meet the changing business processes of organizations, thereby presenting a significant challenge for data integration.