Modelling and manipulating multidimensional data in semistructured databases

Multidimensional information is pervasive in many computer applications including time series, spatial information, data warehousing, and visual data. While semistructured data or XML is becoming more and more popular for information integration and exchange, not much research work has been done in the design and implementation of semistructured database systems to manage multidimensional information efficiently. In this paper, dimension operators have been defined based on a multidimensional logic which we call ML(/spl omega/). It can be used in applications such as multidimensional spreadsheets and multidimensional databases usually found in decision support systems and data warehouses. Finally a multidimensional, an XML database system is prototyped and described in detail. Technologies such as XSL are used to transform or visualise data from different dimensions.