The area definition in a partition specifies the areas of the source database to share with the target database. An area is a subcube within a database. For example, an area could be all Measures data at the lowest level for Actual data in the Eastern Region. A partition is comprises one or more areas.
When you define an area, ensure that the areas of the source database and target database contain the same number of cells and, thus, have the same shape. For example, if the source database area covers 18 cells, the target database area should cover 18 cells.
To define areas in a partition:
Select the Areas tab.
Select an editing option and then double-click in the Source or Target column.
Using the editing tool you selected, specify members for the partitioned area.
If you want to view cell counts for the source and target partitioned areas, select Show cell count.
If you want to define advanced area-specific member mappings, click Advanced.
If the area definition requires mapping, click the Mappings tab to continue defining the partition or to import selection rules for the area mapping.
If the area definition does not require mapping, validate and save the partition.
“Designing Partitioned Applications” in the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide
create partition (MaxL) in the Oracle Essbase Technical Reference
display partition (MaxL) in the Oracle Essbase Technical Reference