Multidimensional analysis

In statistics, econometrics and related fields, multidimensional analysis (MDA) is a data analysis process
that groups data into two categories: data dimensions and measurements. For example, a data set consisting
of the number of wins for a single football team at each of several years is a single-dimensional (in this
case, longitudinal) data set. A data set consisting of the number of wins for several football teams in a single
year is also a single-dimensional (in this case, cross-sectional) data set. A data set consisting of the number
of wins for several football teams over several years is a two-dimensional data set.

Higher dimensions
In many disciplines, two-dimensional data sets are also called panel data.[1] While, strictly speaking, two-
and higher-dimensional data sets are "multi-dimensional", the term "multidimensional" tends to be applied
only to data sets with three or more dimensions.[2] For example, some forecast data sets provide forecasts
for multiple target periods, conducted by multiple forecasters, and made at multiple horizons. The three
dimensions provide more information than can be gleaned from two-dimensional panel data sets.

Software
Computer software for MDA include Online analytical processing (OLAP) for data in relational databases,
pivot tables for data in spreadsheets, and Array DBMSs for general multi-dimensional data (such as raster
data) in science, engineering, and business.

See also
MultiDimensional eXpressions (MDX)
Multidimensional panel data
Multivariate statistics
Dimension (data warehouse)
Dimension tables
Data cube

References
1. Maddala, G.S. (2001). Introduction to Econometrics (3rd ed.). Wiley. ISBN 0471497282.
2. Davies, A.; Lahiri, K. (1995). "A new framework for testing rationality and measuring
aggregate shocks using panel data". Journal of Econometrics. 68 (1): 205–227.
doi:10.1016/0304-4076(94)01649-K (https://doi.org/10.1016%2F0304-4076%2894%290164
9-K).

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