Creating Named Sets
A named set is a set of dimension members or a set expression that is created for reuse, for example, in Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) queries. You can create named sets by combining cube data, arithmetic operators, numbers, and/or functions. For example, you can create a named set called Top Ten Factories that contains the ten members of the Factories dimension that have the highest values for the Production measure. Top Ten Factories can then be used in queries by end users. For example, an end user can place Top Ten Factories on one axis and the Measures dimension, including Production, on another axis.
For more information, see Named Sets.
Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2000 Analysis Services provides its own extensive function library for creating named sets. For more information, see MDX Function List. Analysis Services also supports other function libraries, as when you create calculated members. For more information, see Creating Calculated Members.
To create a named set, use Named Set Builder. It enables you to specify the following options for the named set:
Name
Select the name of the named set. This name appears to end users when they browse the cube.
Set expression
Specify the expression that produces the named set. This expression can be written in Multidimensional Expressions (MDX). The expression may contain any of the following:
- Data expressions that represent the cube's components such as dimensions, levels, measures, and so on
- Arithmetic operators
- Numbers
- Functions
Note If you create the set expression by explicitly naming the members in the set, enclose the list of members in a pair of braces ({}).
For more information, see Named Set Builder.
You can create named sets in regular or virtual cubes. In a virtual cube, you can import named sets from the virtual cube's component cubes so that you do not have to re-create the named sets. After import, you can edit the named set in the virtual cube. For more information, see Creating Named Sets in Regular Cubes and Creating and Maintaining Named Sets in Virtual Cubes.