On Schema Evolution in Multidimensional Databases1

Database systems offering a multidimensional schema on a logical level (e.g. OLAP systems) are often used in data warehouse environments. The user requirements in these dynamic application areas are subject to frequent changes. This implies frequent structural changes of the database schema. In this paper, we present a formal framework to describe evolutions of multidimensional schemas and their effects on the schema and on the instances. The framework is based on a formal conceptual description of a multidimensional schema and a corresponding schema evolution algebra. Thus, the approach is independent of the actual implementation (e.g. MOLAP or ROLAP). We also describe how the algebra enables a tool supported environment for schema evolution.