Methods and interpretation of database summarisation

Abstract

The summarisation of large quantities of linear, tabular and multidimensional data to a more manageable quantity has found application in a number of areas including mobile databases, data warehouses, executive reporting and summary (commonly main memory) databases. The method of summarisation used has a significant bearing on the manner in which the resultant data can be employed and the way in which the information content can be subsequently interpreted. This paper surveys various summarisation procedures and provides a categorisation of the mechanisms by which information can be summarised and the nature and conditions under which valid interpretation of the summarised data can be made.