Dimension values to record

By default, a dimension is populated by all data values detected in the capture stream. Optionally, to normalize or otherwise restrict the source data, you may choose to record values for a dimension from values that are specified in lists. For each dimension, you can define the scope of values to be recorded for the dimension.

  • To specify the values, select an option from the Values to Record drop-down in the Add/Edit Dimension dialog.
    • For events that record Count Only values, you may choose to record to the dimension the first, last, or current count of the event in the session.
  • For each dimension, you can specify a maximum number of values to capture per hour, which allows you to limit the data size for the dimension. See Maximum number of dimension values.

For each dimension, you can specify one of the following to record:

Note: After you save the dimension that includes a specified list, you cannot change the source values in the list, and the Values to Record cannot be changed if a Group List type is used. For these types, you should export the list to a file, delete the dimension, and create a dimension with the same properties, making changes as needed. Then, import the file, if needed, as the source for the values to record.
Values to Record
Description
Whitelist + Observed Values
Record values that are on the whitelist for the dimension, as well as non-blacklisted values detected in the capture stream. A Whitelist + Observed Values configuration may be used when populating a dimension that is not dynamic or is populated by a very limited set of dynamic data. For example, you might use observed values to capture a limited set of query strings associated with a small subset of hit or event occurrences.
Note: When dimensions are created to capture data using Whitelist + Observed Values, the volume of data can grow without limit, which result in a very large number of either individual dimension values or combinations of values with other dimensions. A high number of dimension values can also become a bottleneck in the Data Service and the Portal, which attempt to pass these values upon request. Because Whitelist + Observed Values is the easiest way for a dimension to immediately gather values without extra configuration, Whitelist + Observed Values is the default method of recording for dimensions. As a result, however, data management issues can occur for any newly created dimension. See Data Management for Dimensions.
Whitelist Only
Record only values that appear on the specified whitelist for the dimension.
Group Lists - Text
Populate the dimension from a group list of text values that are configured for the dimension. See Group lists.
Group Lists - Numeric
Populate the dimension from a group list of numeric values that are configured for the dimension. See Group lists.
Note: Since dimension values are recorded as text values, logging of dimension values is disabled for numeric group lists.