Sankey charts are a type of interactive data visualization that are used to represent network relationships between objects, processes or flows. They are commonly used in a wide range of fields, from engineering and the sciences to economics and social sciences. Sankey charts are particularly useful for showing linear relationships between objects such as the amount of money flowing in and out of a company or the number of products flowing in and out of a production line.
Creating and understanding sankey charts can be a bit tricky, but following a few simple steps can help you create a clear and effective visualization.
Here are some steps to create a sankey chart:
1. Identify the objects: Determine whom the objects represent in your network. For example, if you are trying to show the flow of money between companies, your objects might be companies.
2. Assign a flow: For each object, assign a flow to show how the object is being used or is flowing. For example, the flow for each company could be either as input or as output of a production line or as a source or sink of money.
3. Plot the object flow: Using the flow that you have assigned to each object, plot them on a graph. The flow should be in the vertical direction, with the highest flow pointing up.
4. Add a flow line: Connect each object to the next one by adding a flow line. This line represents the direction of the flow between the objects.
5. Draw the boundaries: Draw a line from each object to represent the boundaries of a network. This line should be parallel to the axis and should not intersect any flow lines or any other lines placed on the chart.
6. Check for errors: Make sure that each flow line accurately represents the flow between the different objects in your network.
7. Review and refine: Once you have created your sankey chart, review it carefully and refine it as needed. You might need to adjust the order of the objects, improve the flow lines, or add or remove lines.
There are many ways to apply sankey charts in the real world. For example, in finance, sankey charts can be used to show the flow of money between different companies or industries. In engineering, sankey charts can be used to show the flow of energy between different processes or machines. In social sciences, sankey charts can be used to show the flow of various social flows such as the flow of information or the flow of resources in a community.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for showing linear relationships between objects. They are easy to create and understand, and can be applied to a wide range of real-world situations. With a little practice, anyone can create a sankey chart and use it to visualize complex data and relationships.

SankeyMaster

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