Introduction:
Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that visualize relationships between quantities in a network. Unlike scatter plots or bar charts, which are designed to compare values across variables, sankey charts illustrate how quantities flow into and out of a network. In this article, we will explore the basics of creating sankey charts and apply them to real-world applications.
Creating a sankey chart:
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Identify the quantities you want to visualize: Start by deciding which quantities or categories you want to include in your sankey chart. It is important to clearly define the variables you want to analyze, so you can create a well-defined graph.
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Organize the quantities: Organize the quantities in your sankey chart based on their relative size or strength. This will help in determining the relationships between the different variables.
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Calculate the flow rates: Calculate the flow rates for each pair of categories or variables. You can use a simple equation or a statistical analysis tool to determine the relationship between quantities.
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Add labels and annotations: Add labels and annotations that provide context and help clarify the flow of quantities in your sankey chart.
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Create your graph: Finally, create your sankey chart by plotting the categories and their flow rates on the graph. You can use software or a traditional tool like a ruler and pencil to create your chart.
Applications of sankey charts:
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Business analysis: Sankey charts are commonly used in business to analyze supply chain, logistics, and financial flows. They can help businesses understand how different activities or categories of spending are interrelated and how these flows impact the overall performance of the organization.
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Environmental studies: Sankey charts can be used to analyze environmental flows, like water, sewage, or hazardous waste. They can help researchers understand the complex system of natural and man-made flows and how they relate to each other.
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Natural history: Sankey charts can be used to visualize and study ecological systems. They can help scientists understand how different species interact with each other and with their surroundings.
Conclusion:
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flow relationships in complex networks. By understanding the basics of sankey chart creation and application, you can better understand the flow of information or data in your own network. With the availability of software and tools, sankey charts can help researchers, analysts, and business professionals make more informed decisions, leading to improved performance and outcomes.
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.
