An object-centered multi-dimensional data model with hierarchically structured dimensions

We propose a formal framework based on description logics as a basis for both modeling multidimensional databases and understanding related reasoning problems and services. We extend a description logic with new constructors for defining operators on cubes together with a representational framework for hierarchically structured dimensions. The constructors we propose correspond in part to the operators on data cubes given by R. Agrawal et al. (1997). Finally, our representation of cubes naturally allows a symmetric treatment of dimensions and measures.