the word - aligned hybrid bitmap compression method and data structure is a relatively efficient method for searching and performing logical , counting , and pattern location operations upon large datasets . the technique is comprised of a data structure and methods that are optimized for computational efficiency by using the wah compression method , which typically takes advantage of the target computing system &# 39 ; s native word length . wah is particularly apropos to infrequently varying databases , including those found in the on - line analytical processing industry , due to the increased computational efficiency of the wah compressed bitmap index . some commercial database products already include some version of a bitmap index , which could possibly be replaced by the wah bitmap compression techniques for potentially increased operation speed , as well as increased efficiencies in constructing compressed bitmaps . combined together , this technique may be particularly useful for real - time business intelligence . additional wah applications may include scientific modeling , such as climate and combustion simulations , to minimize search time for analysis and subsequent data visualization .