Cube

Presentation of statistical data in the form of 'cubes' has become a common tool used by National Statistical Institutions (NSIs) in the last few years. Specific applications and the range of associated functionality vary between NSIs depending on the data, it's use, and the depth of development and history of implementation.

The potential benefits to be gained from this area of continuing develop are obviously an important consideration for the presentation and web delivery of data from the 2011 Census. Decisions in this area should be strongly influenced by the depth and range of functionality that are either required, or that users feel are at least desirable.

What experience of using data presented in cubes have users had? What are some of the best examples, and some of the worst? What specific features or functions are considered to be crucial, and what would be a nice option?

The idea of a statistical data cube may best be thought of as an extension of a common two-dimensional array most often used in spreadsheets. A cube holds a collection of data series or measures in a multi-dimensional array representing facts about a given key statistical topic, for example the topic may be ‘population’. The data may be categorised or analysed in a number of ways, say by geography, age range, gender and time etc. These categories are known as dimensions.

Information contained in cubes may be interrogated in a number of ways - one whole single cube, a number of dimensions from within a single cube, or a number of dimensions from a number of cubes.