Sankey Chart Creation and Applications: A Visual Guide to Streamlining Your Data
Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can be used to represent the flow of data between different entities or stages of a process. They are particularly useful for showing the interconnections and dependencies between different data items, allowing you to better understand the relationships between them. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to creating and applying Sankey charts to improve the clarity and organization of your data.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses arrows and circles to represent the flow of items or data between different entities. These charts are named after the Dutch engineer named H.C. Sankey, who first developed the technique in the late 1920s. Sankey charts are especially useful for showing the movement of goods, services, or other types of items between different stages or regions, and can be used to illustrate a wide range of processes and data sets.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
There are several steps involved in creating a Sankey chart:
- First, you need to import the data into a spreadsheet or other data analysis tool. This could be a spreadsheet in a word processor like Microsoft Word, a spreadsheet program like Google Sheets or Excel, or a specialized data visualization tool like sankey.io.
- Next, you can use the data import function to import your data into the analysis tool. This will typically allow you to specify the format of the data, such as comma-separated values (CSV) or a database connection.
- Once the data is imported, you can use the analysis tool’s built-in functions to create the Sankey chart. Depending on the tool you are using, this may involve specifying the source and sink nodes for the chart, defining the flow rules, and customizing the chart appearance.
- Finally, you can save and share the chart with others. This will typically involve exporting it to a format that can be easily shared, such as PNG, SVG, or PDF.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used to illustrate a wide range of data sets, including:
- Product and sales flow: This can be used to visualize the movement of products or services through the supply chain, from raw materials to final customer.
- Energy and resource flows: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of energy or natural resources between different regions or industries, highlighting areas of excess or resource depletion.
- Social networks: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of information or ideas between different individuals or groups in a social network.
In addition to these applications, Sankey charts can also be used to:
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in processes: By visualizing the flow of data, Sankey charts can help you identify areas where processes may be slowed down or where resources may be wasted.
- Understand dependencies and relationships: Sankey charts can be used to show the interconnections and dependencies between different data items, allowing you to better understand the relationships between them.
- Present complex data in a clear and intuitive way: Sankey charts use a simple, easy-to-understand visual representation of data flows, making it easier for people to understand and interpret complex data sets.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can be used to represent the flow of data between different entities or stages of a process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and apply Sankey charts to improve the clarity and organization of your data, and gain deeper insights into the relationships between different data items. Whether you are working with product or sales flow, energy and resource flows, or social networks, Sankey charts can help you better understand and visualize your data.
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.
