Sankey charts are a type of graphical representation used to visualize data flow. They are particularly useful when dealing with complex data sets that involve multiple independent processes, interrelated components or the flow of resources or information.
To understand how to create and interpret a sankey chart, let’s first take a closer look at what it is and what it can represent.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A sankey chart is a type of visual representation that uses a network diagram to represent the flow of information, resources or processes between different entities. It creates a clear visualization of how each component or element affects the others and is useful for displaying interdependencies between different elements.
Sankey charts are created using a combination of lines that represent the flow of information, resources or processes, and nodes that represent the various components, entities or actors. The flow of these resources or processes is shown through the lines connecting the nodes, and the nodes can be labeled to show specific characteristics or details about each component.
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding the flow, complexity and interdependencies in data sets and can be used in a variety of contexts, including business analysis, engineering design, economics and social sciences.
Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts are widely used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Business Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualise the flow of information or processes across different departments within a business, help create better cost savings and improve decision making in a business.
2. Engineering: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, energy and information within an engineering project such as a manufacturing plant, construction site or facility.
3. Economics: Sankey charts can be used to present interdependencies, relationships or trade-offs between different economic variables.
4. Social Science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize social interactions and networks within a group or community, show how people move through different social activities, events or meetings.
5. Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used in creating a visual representation of healthcare resource flow, such as doctors, nurses, and medical resources.

Sankey Chart Creation and Interpretation
In order to create a sankey chart, you will need to follow some basic steps:

1. Collect Data: Collect the data that you want to visualise, identify the nodes and edges that will be used to represent it.
2. Draw the Graph: Draw a diagram that represents the data you have collected, labeling the nodes with the appropriate information and drawing the edges based on the flow of information or resources.
3. Create the Chart: Use a software tool to create the sankey chart, choose the type of nodes and edges to be used, and add any labels, legends or other relevant information.
4. Interpret the Chart: Read the chart and interpret the different nodes and edges, identify any dependencies, relationships or interrelationships between the components and actors involved.
5. Check and Adjust: Check the chart and make any necessary adjustments to the nodes, edges or labels to better explain the flow and interrelations of the data represented.

Interpreting a Sankey Chart
Once you have created the sankey chart, the next step is to interpret it and gain insights from the data that it represents. Here are some tips to help you interpret a sankey chart:

1. Find key actors: Identify the main actors or entities affected by the flow of data or resources, such as customers, suppliers, employees, investors or customers.
2. Identify dependencies: Identify the dependencies or interrelationships between the different nodes and edges in the chart, these can help inform which groups or entities are affected most by the flow of resources or information.
3. Understand the pattern: Once you have identified the flow of data or resources and the interrelationships between the different nodes and edges, it is important to understand the pattern that is being shown, for instance, if the flow is linear it may indicate a single path or route for information.
4. Look for outliers: If you notice any discrepancies or unusual patterns, it is important to investigate further to understand the reason for these.

In conclusion, sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of information, resources and processes between different entities. They provide a clear and concise representation of the interdependencies and relationships within complex data sets and can be used in a variety of contexts to better understand the flow, complexity and interrelationships of the data being represented. With proper use, sankey charts can provide valuable insights into how different actors or components in a system interact and influence each other.

SankeyMaster

SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.