Colorcoded Sankey charts, also known as a layered or hierarchical bar chart, are a type of chart that can be used to visualize complex interconnections between different elements. In this article, we will explore the process of creating a Sankey chart and its applications in various contexts.

What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of network diagram that is used to visualize the flow of resources or information between different entities. It is also commonly referred to as a layered bar chart or a hierarchical bar chart. A Sankey chart consists of two main components: a flow line and a flow arrow. The flow line represents the direction of the flow of resources or information, while the flow arrow indicates the flow direction.

How to create a Sankey chart?
The process of creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple. Here are the steps that you can follow to create a Sankey chart:

1. Identify the elements: First, you need to identify the elements that you want to visualize in your Sankey chart. The elements could be resources or activities, for example.

2. Determine the direction of flow: Once you have identified the elements, you need to determine the direction of flow between them. The direction of flow can be determined by the flow arrow, which will indicate whether the flow is from one element to another or from one element to another.

3. Draw the flow line: Next, you need to draw the line that represents the direction of flow. You can use a line of any color to represent the flow direction.

4. Draw the flow arrow: Finally, you can draw the flow arrow that indicates the direction of flow. The flow arrow should be at a 45-degree angle to the flow line to ensure that it clearly indicates the direction of flow.

The following is an example of a Sankey chart:

To create a Sankey chart, you can use a variety of software tools. Some of the popular tools that can be used to create Sankey charts are Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Drawing. These tools have powerful features that allow you to create complex Sankey charts in a matter of minutes.

Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts. Here are some of the applications of Sankey charts:

1. Healthcare – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources in a hospital. This can help medical personnel to better understand the flow of resources and optimize the use of resources.

2. Finance – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of financial resources between different entities. This can help accountants to make informed decisions and optimize the use of financial resources.

3. Environmental – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of environmental resources between different ecosystems. This can help scientists to better understand the flow of resources and make informed decisions about environmental conservation.

4. Technology – Sankey charts can be used by companies to visualize the flow of resources between different departments. This can help companies to optimize the use of resources and improve efficiency.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool that can be used to visualize and understand the flow of resources or information between different entities. The process of creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple, and there are a variety of software tools that can be used to create a Sankey chart. Sankey charts can be used in various contexts to better understand the flow of resources and optimize the use of resources.

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.