elements

Elements are the values in a multidimensional database. Elements are one of the three fundamental building blocks of a multidimensional database. The others are dimensions and cubes. Similar or related elements are grouped into dimensions which are grouped to form a cube. In a Time dimension, for example, the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 would all be elements, as would 1st Quarter, 2nd Quarter, 3rd Quarter, 4th Quarter and each of the individual months. These are all consolidated elements because they comprise elements at a lower level in the hierarchy. An element at the lowest level of the hierarchy is a base element.