Sankey charts are a powerful graphical tool for visualizing complex relationships between different entities. These charts are named after the triangular graphs used in electrical engineering for distributing high-voltage currents. Sankey charts combine traditional bar chart elements with a network diagram to create a visual representation of the relationships between variables.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of sankey chart creation and applications such as how to create sankey charts, common mistakes to avoid, and practical examples of sankey chart usage for various industries and academic research.
Understanding Sankey Charts
A sankey chart, also known as a flowchart, is a two-dimensional chart that visualizes the relationships between different points in a network. The chart typically consists of a series of lines representing the connections between entities, with the source and sink of each line indicating the input and output of the relationship. The direction of the lines can also be marked to indicate the flow of information or data.
Creating Sankey Charts
Sankey chart creation can be time-consuming if you have to manually draw the lines on your chart paper. Fortunately, most software tools, including Microsoft Visio and InDesign, provide templates and wizards for creating sankey charts. These tools include pre-designed templates for different industries and provide wizards to organize your data and select the appropriate shapes and labels for your sankey chart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes to avoid when creating sankey charts. Firstly, make sure you label all the points of the chart with accurate values. This not only makes the chart easy to read but also adds credibility to your conclusions. Secondly, avoid cluttering the chart with unnecessary lines and colors. Each line should be focused on conveying a specific message or flow of information, and too many lines or colors can make the chart harder to understand.
Practical Applications
Sankey charts can be applied across various fields and industries, including:
Healthcare: Sankey charts are commonly used in the healthcare industry to visualize the flow of patients and treatments. This helps researchers identify patterns in patient flow and adjust procedures to improve patient care.
Retail: Sankey charts are used in the retail industry to visualize the flow of inventory, sales, and orders. Retailers can use sankey charts to optimize their stock levels, reduce waste, and improve profitability.
Logistics: Sankey charts are used in the logistics industry to visualize the flow of goods and materials from one location to another.
Manufacturing: Sankey charts are used in the manufacturing industry to visualize the flow of materials between departments or between different manufacturing lines.
Environmental: Sankey charts can be used in environmental studies to visualize the flow of energy and resources between ecosystems.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful graphical tool for visualizing complex relationships between entities in networks. They are easy to create using software tools and provide a clear and concise representation of the relationships between the entities. By understanding the basics of sankey chart creation and the common mistakes to avoid, researchers and professionals can effectively use sankey charts to visualize their data and make informed decisions. With increasing adoption of technology in various industries, the availability of advanced software tools and techniques for sankey chart creation is expected to continue to grow.
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.
