Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that uses a series of curves, also known as “flows,” to visualize complex data. Sankey charts are commonly used in fields like engineering, economics, and political science to represent information in a way that is easy to understand and interpret. In this article, we will explore the power of Sankey charts and how they can be used to make sense of complex data.
What is a Sankey Chart?
Sankey charts are a type of diagram used to visualize the flow of objects, people, or information between different nodes (points) in a network. The curve representing the flow can be drawn to scale, and the network can be represented in terms of time or space.
In Sankey charts, flow is represented by a curve connecting the two points on the nodes. The curve can be drawn to scale, and the network can be represented in terms of time or space. The flow can be represented as arrows, and the direction of the arrows can be interpreted as the direction of the flow of data or information. Additionally, in Sankey charts, nodes can be labeled with information about the data, such as the name of the node or the type of node.
Why are Sankey Charts Useful?
One of the biggest advantages of Sankey charts is that they are easy to understand and interpret. Unlike other types of diagrams, like networks or timelines, Sankey charts use simple shapes and colors to convey information. This makes them easy to understand and interpret, even for people who are not familiar with the technical terminology used in fields like engineering or economics.
Another advantage of Sankey charts is that they are useful in visualizing complex data. Because they use curves to represent the flow of data, they can easily convey hierarchical data or data that has a clear beginning and end, such as the flow of information from a project to delivery or the flow of goods from a warehouse to a store.
Sankey charts can also be used to visualize relationships between data points. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to show the flow of information between different departments or between different sources of information.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of fields, including engineering, economics, and political science. Sankey charts are commonly used to visualize the flow of data between different parties, such as the flow of information between different departments in an organization or the flow of goods from a warehouse to a store. They are also commonly used to visualize the flow of data within a network, such as the flow of data between different locations or between different departments in an organization.
Another application of Sankey charts is in visualizing the flow of data between different time periods. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to visualize the flow of data from April 2020 to April 2021.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data. They are easy to understand and interpret, use simple shapes and colors to convey information, and can be used to visualize relationships between data points. With their versatility and ability to visualize complex data, Sankey charts are an essential part of today’s data-driven world.
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