Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for displaying complex data in a clear and concise way, while also making it easy for the reader to understand the source and direction flow of information. Developed by physicist Lewis Fry Richardson in 1974, Sankey charts can help researchers and educators present complex data in a way that is easy to understand and provides a deeper understanding of the data. In this article, we will explore the use of Sankey charts to create visual representations of real-world data, as well as their applications in the education and research communities.
What is a Sankey Chart?
Sankey charts are a type of diagram that uses a directed network of arrows to visually represent the flow of data and information. Each individual “unit” in the diagram can represent a source or target entity, and the direction of the arrows can indicate the direction of flow. Sankey charts are particularly useful for complex data that requires analysis and interpretation to make sense of.
Creating a Sankey Chart
To create a sankey chart, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, gather the data that you want to represent. Next, identify the source and target units in your data and determine the direction of flow. Once you have this information, you can start to lay out your chart.
For a basic sankey chart, you can use a web-based tool like Canva or even online platforms like Lucidchart. These tools allow you to quickly create a sankey chart with pre-defined units and flow directions, making it easy to generate an initial visualization of the data.
Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts can be applied in a wide range of fields, including education and research. In the education community, these charts can be used to show the flow of knowledge and skills from teachers to students, including feedback loops, assessment processes, and grading habits. In the research community, sankey charts can be used to show the flow of information from data sources to researchers and analysts, as well as the direction of flow through the research process.
Sankey charts can also be a useful tool for presenting data in real-time. In healthcare, for example, sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of patients, medications, and doctors. In manufacturing, sankey charts can be used to track the flow of parts and components, as well as the direction of flow through the production process.
Conclusion
Sankey charts offer a powerful visual way to represent complex data in a clear and concise way, while also making it easy for the reader to understand the source and direction flow of information. In the education and research communities, sankey charts can be used to present data in a way that is easy to understand and provides a deeper understanding of the data. By using sankey charts, researchers and educators can better analyze and explain their data, leading to more informed decisions and more effective strategies.
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.
