Overview: Sankey charts are an effective way to visualize complex data in a simple, intuitive manner. These diagrams are perfect for explaining the flow of resources (such as money, services, or people) in a network, and are useful for understanding interactions between entities. This article will take a deep dive into how to create sankey charts, as well as provide examples of their application in different industries and fields.
Understanding Sankey Chart Basics
A sankey chart is a graph layout that depicts the flow of elements (usually physical or conceptual) in a network. It is typically composed of nodes (entries or points in the flow) and links (flows or processes that connect those nodes).
To create a sankey chart, start by analyzing your data to identify the necessary nodes and links. The key elements to consider when drawing a sankey chart are the nodes, which represent the components of the network, such as money, people, or services; and the links, which represent the flows or processes connecting those nodes.
Once you have created your nodes and links, you can start to visualize the flow using different colors and shapes. Each node can be given a color that corresponds to what it represents (for example, orange + green for revenue). This allows you to easily differentiate the different components of the network.
For multiple nodes, you may want to use a separate sankey chart for each network. To do so, simply duplicate the charts and format each one accordingly. This allows you to compare data from different networks and observe trends or correlations.
Common Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are widely used in different industries and fields to analyze complex data. Here are a few examples of their applications:
- Marketing: Sankey charts can help in designing strategic marketing plans. For example, a company can use a sankey chart to visualize the flow of customer inquiries and feedback, and how these can be used to improve product or service delivery.
- Finance: Sankey charts can be used in finance to visualize the flow of money between different transactions. For example, a stockbroker or financial advisor may use a sankey chart to track the flow of cash outlays and income to better understand the profitability of their business.
- Healthcare: Sankey charts can help in analyzing the flow of patients between departments of a hospital. For instance, a healthcare provider can use a sankey chart to visualize the flow of patients, doctors, and nurses between different departments based on their specialties. This can help in identifying areas of improvement and optimizing resource allocation.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a sankey chart typically involves the following steps:
- Analyze your data and identify the necessary nodes and links.
- Choose a software or plugin that allows you to create sankey charts. Popular options include D3.js, Chart.js and Lilliput.
- Use the software or plugin to create a sankey chart layout.
- Customize the chart by adding nodes, links, and colors to your satisfaction.
The success of your sankey chart depends on the accuracy and depth of your analysis, as well as your ability to visually communicate the data. It is essential to keep an eye on the size and importance of nodes and links, and use clear and concise color coding to differentiate between them.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for presenting complex data in a simple and intuitive manner. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, anyone can create a compelling sankey chart that helps simplify complex networks and improve understanding and decision-making. As mentioned earlier, sankey charts are widely used in various industries, including marketing, finance, and healthcare, indicating their versatility and applicability.
However, it is important to note that the complexity and scope of a sankey chart can lead to misunderstandings. For example, a sankey chart that only shows the largest nodes or flows might not give a clear picture of the network if there are many minor or unimportant ones. Therefore, it is crucial to use sankey charts with caution, and to interpret the data with an understanding of the context and the underlying data.
Overall, sankey charts are a beautiful and informative way to visualize complex networks and help better understand their workings. With a deep understanding of the data and a keen eye for detail, anyone can create a sankey chart that is both visually appealing and informative, making it a valuable tool for communication and analysis in various fields.
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