A Sankey chart is a type of diagram that is used to visualize complex networks. It is a useful tool for understanding the flow of information or resources between different nodes or actors in a network. Sankey charts are particularly useful when dealing with interdependencies or cycles of relationships in a network. This blog post will guide you on how to create a Sankey chart and share some practical applications for it.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Sankey charts are made with several types of shapes that are connected to a central node. The shapes typically represent the different elements being analyzed in the network, such as people, resources, or ideas. There are a few common shapes that are typically used in Sankey charts: the “circle” shape, the “fork” shape, and the “node” shape. These shapes are usually named, so you can easily identify them when creating your chart.
Once you have your shapes drawn, you need to connect them to the central node. The edges that connect the shapes to the central node represent the flow of resources or information that is being measured in the network. You can draw these edges either in solid lines or wavy lines, depending on the nature of the flow.
When creating a Sankey chart, it’s important to use clear and descriptive labels for each element and edge. This helps ensure that the chart is easy to understand and is focused on the correct information.
Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts have been used for years in various industries, such as research, healthcare, and finance. Here are a few examples of the applications of Sankey charts:
1. Energy Networks: The flow of energy is a fundamental aspect of many business models and industries. By using a Sankey chart, you can visualize the different sources and uses of energy in an efficient way.
2. Supply Chain Networks: Sankey charts can help to visualize the flow of resources and materials through a supply chain, which can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain.
3. Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of healthcare resources, such as patients, doctors, and hospitals, in a hospital or healthcare facility.
4. Financial: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money in different areas of a company, such as sales, marketing, and operations.
5. Environmental: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and resources in an environmental disaster, such as a wildfire.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding complex networks. By using clear and descriptive labels, you can quickly identify the different elements and edges in a Sankey chart and understand the flow of information or resources in a network. With the right data and labels, Sankey charts can be a useful tool for anyone interested in understanding complex networks.

SankeyMaster

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