OBIEE Metadata Dictionary
In this article, I try to explain the concepts of “OBIEE Metadata Dictionary”.
First we start with the basic introduction of Metadata. Then we will explain to create and maintain Metadata Dictionary in OBIEE Answers. This article describes the configuration and implementation of the OBIEE metadata dictionary with OC4J.
First we start with the basic introduction of Metadata. Then we will explain to create and maintain Metadata Dictionary in OBIEE Answers. This article describes the configuration and implementation of the OBIEE metadata dictionary with OC4J.
About Metadata
Metadata is essentially data about other data. Also known as metalanguage, metadata can be used in any sort of media to describe the contents of the information. Metadata is essential for understanding information stored in data warehouses and has become increasingly important in XML-based Web applications.
Metadata is essentially data about other data. Also known as metalanguage, metadata can be used in any sort of media to describe the contents of the information. Metadata is essential for understanding information stored in data warehouses and has become increasingly important in XML-based Web applications.
About OBIEE Metadata Dictionary
One of the new features introduced in OBIEE is Metadata Dictionary which is handy web based information to map the answers objects across business layers to Physical layers.
BI metadata repository is available through the Metadata Dictionary (a set of static XML documents), which contains information across the entire BI metadata repository, i.e. from the presentation layer , through the business model (including dimensions, their levels and hierarchies, and join their types, calculations and used expressions, aggregation rules and functions, etc.) to the physical layer (including the names of the physical tables and columns of data types, all the links, the type of database, supported db properties, setting Connection Pool, etc.). In addition, there are all the initialization blocks, variable system, user groups and their privileges…
Metadata Dictionary is available from version of OBI 10.1.3.3 onwards:
One of the new features introduced in OBIEE is Metadata Dictionary which is handy web based information to map the answers objects across business layers to Physical layers.
BI metadata repository is available through the Metadata Dictionary (a set of static XML documents), which contains information across the entire BI metadata repository, i.e. from the presentation layer , through the business model (including dimensions, their levels and hierarchies, and join their types, calculations and used expressions, aggregation rules and functions, etc.) to the physical layer (including the names of the physical tables and columns of data types, all the links, the type of database, supported db properties, setting Connection Pool, etc.). In addition, there are all the initialization blocks, variable system, user groups and their privileges…
Metadata Dictionary is available from version of OBI 10.1.3.3 onwards:
Generating the Metadata Dictionary
Metadata Dictionary should first be generated using the Oracle BI Administration Tool, as follows:
1. Launch the Oracle BI Administration Tool on the Oracle BI Server.
2. Log in to the desired repository in “Offline” mode.
Metadata Dictionary should first be generated using the Oracle BI Administration Tool, as follows:
1. Launch the Oracle BI Administration Tool on the Oracle BI Server.
2. Log in to the desired repository in “Offline” mode.
3. Create the dictionary using: Tools -> Utilities -> Generate Metadata Dictionary.
4. Select a destination directory:
You can save the metadata anywhere in your directory and then move to particular destination .For my case the repository file name is ABC.rpd and metadata directories have been created as under the path E:\MataData.
Once process finishes, you will get the following message:
When you generate Metadata Dictionary, The output is a bunch of xml files in the destination folder chosen and can be hosted on your obiee web server. Along with the files, a new folder with the same name as your repository file name gets created. There are two main files to concentrate on. One is Treeindex.xml and Nameindex.xml file.
Treeindex.xml traverses using a hierarchy and gives you the respective layers of separation where as NameIndex.xml uses the alphabetical index to go through all the object names and their Meta data descriptions.
In my case Generated Metadata Dictionary location is E:\Metadata\ABC
Navigate to your Generated Metadata Dictionary
Now open the folder with repository name (ABC) under location E:\Metadata\ABC.
Open NameIndex.xml file in a browser to check the readability.
Navigate to your Generated Metadata Dictionary
Now open the folder with repository name (ABC) under location E:\Metadata\ABC.
Open NameIndex.xml file in a browser to check the readability.
Open TreeIndex.xml file in a browser to check the readability.
Presentation Service Configuration for Metadata Dictionary using OC4J Prerequisites
Create the “dictionary” folder in the following location:
<OracleBI>\oc4j_bi\j2ee\home\applications\analytics\analytics
And move the contents of the E:\Metadata folder in the dictionary folder.
After setting OC4J Prerequisites, we have to tell the presentation server where to find the dictionary. This is configured in the INSTANCECONFIG.XML file.
Usually this file is found in <OracleBIData>\web\config.
Open the INSTANCECONFIG.XML file and add the following tag between the <WebConfig> tags.
Note: After making necessary changes, restart Oracle BI Presentation Server, Oracle BI Server.
Access the metadata dictionary from Answers
After making the changes in the configuration file and restarting the presentation service, Log in Answers application and select the subject Area. You will be able to see in Answers area on the right of each column, table and cube a new icon. A click on this icon will present you the Xml data dictionary associated. (Book icon – for components and items will appear after the mouse cursor hovering to it).
After making the changes in the configuration file and restarting the presentation service, Log in Answers application and select the subject Area. You will be able to see in Answers area on the right of each column, table and cube a new icon. A click on this icon will present you the Xml data dictionary associated. (Book icon – for components and items will appear after the mouse cursor hovering to it).
Now click on the dictionary symbol of Supplier Sales:
Then you will see all the information related to the Supplier Sales.
Granting access to the Metadata Dictionary
Log on with the presentation service as Administrator.
And Go Settings> Administration.
Log on with the presentation service as Administrator.
And Go Settings> Administration.
Select Manage Privilege:
Select access to Metadata Dictionary:
By default this is set to everyone. But you can change the setting to allow particular users access the metadata dictionary.Note: The generated Metadata Dictionary is a static set of XML data.The dictionary does not change dynamically as repository changes are made. Therefore, you will need to generate manually or automatically the dictionary periodically to update the content.
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