In Chapter 3, Building Data Models, we looked at some of the virtues of using a star schema. With a star schema, the data model consists of a denormalized, or flattened, fact table that sits at the center. This contains the numerical data that we use with measures, on which to base our analysis. Each entity in this table is then connected to lookup or dimension tables that are arranged around the fact table to create the classic star shape. Figure 12-16 shows an example of this style of data model, and illustrates why it is known as a star schema:
Figure 12-16: A start schema based data model
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