In today’s data-centric world, data visualization has become an essential tool for understanding complex information. Sankey chart, a type of network diagram, is one of the powerful visual methods used to represent data connections and flows.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a diagram that shows the flow of a data source, such as data from an application or a system, to other data sources. It is typically used to visualize interactions between different data sets or between different data sets and the system itself.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves drawing a simple structure that represents the data flows, with arrows indicating the direction and quantity of each flow. Each node in the diagram represents the data source or the system being monitored, and the edges represent the data flows. The size and shape of the nodes and edges are determined by their relative importance and the flow of information between them.
There are several tools and software available to create Sankey charts, including Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, and Google Sheets. These tools provide templates and options to customize the chart, making it customizable to suit the data being visualized.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are widely used in various industries, from finance and economics to engineering and social sciences. In finance, they are used to trace the movement of capital to various investments and assets. In engineering, they are used to demonstrate the flow of data between systems and equipment in a network. In social sciences, they are used to analyze the flow of information between different communities and organizations.
Another key application is in the energy industry, where Sankey charts can show the flow of data between different sources of power and the system itself. This allows for a comprehensive analysis of the energy supply and demand, and the impact of different variables, such as weather patterns and energy sources, on the flow of energy.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flows and interactions. While creating them may require some practice, the benefits of using Sankey charts outweigh the difficulties. They provide a clear and concise view of complex data and improve understanding of how data is used, impacting outcomes in various industries.
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