Transforming raw data into visual storytelling requires not only clarity of visual elements, but also an understanding of the story behind each piece of data. Sankey charts, a form of network analysis visualization, play a critical role in this transformation process by enabling teams to organize and present complex data sets in an intuitive, engaging manner.
By leveraging the power of these maps, companies can not only communicate large amounts of data more effectively, but also gain new insights from the data by identifying patterns, trends, and relationships that would be difficult to see with traditional chart types. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of creating a sankey chart, its applications, and how it can transform your data into a rich, immersive narrative.
Creating a Sankey Chart
A Sankey chart is a network analysis visualization comprised of two main elements: links and nodes. Links represent the connections between nodes, which represent the data sources. When creating a sankey chart, it’s essential to organize the data in a clear and logical manner. Nodes will typically represent the data sources or targets of the data, while edges will connect them to other nodes or sources.
To create a sankey chart, you’ll begin by importing the data you want to visualize, and then using a software or web-based tool to organize the data and create the chart. Sankey charts can be created in a range of software options, including Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and Tableau Public, among others.
Sankey charts can be used to present data in a variety of ways, including time series, temporal, and continuous. To create a sankey chart, follow these steps:
1. Import the data set
2. Organize the data by grouping the nodes based on their common attributes (e.g., data source, target, or value)
3. Create the link between the nodes using a flow diagram or network diagram
4. Customize the color, size, and style of the nodes and links
Application of Sankey Charts in Business
Sankey charts are widely used in almost every industry to convey complex data, allowing businesses to communicate their data more effectively to their stakeholders and investors. The power of sankey charts in data visualization lies in their ability to convey a clear and intuitive representation of the data, enabling teams to quickly comprehend complex data sets and find valuable insights.
Sankey charts can be used for a variety of applications in business, including:

• Supply chain management: By visualizing the flow of data between suppliers and customers, businesses can make better purchasing decisions and optimize their supply chain operations.

• Environmental analysis: By mapping out the flow of resources in a specific region or area, planners and managers can identify the key players and leverage data to improve resource management.

• Marketing analytics: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data between customers and products, allowing marketers to understand customer preferences and improve marketing strategies.

• Economic analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data between different economic sectors (e.g., government, private sector, etc.), providing insights on the economic stability and health of the economy.

Conclusion
In conclusion, sankey charts offer a powerful tool for transforming raw data into a compelling visual story. By organizing data in an intuitive manner and customizing the look and feel of the chart, businesses can communicate complex data more effectively, gain valuable insights, and inspire innovation. With its versatile applications, sankey charts provide a versatile and effective way to visualize and communicate data through powerful data visualizations.

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