Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex and interdependent relationships in data. They are a type of diagram that combines the benefits of flowcharts and network diagrams, allowing you to easily understand how different parts of your data are connected and flow towards each other.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the power of sankey charts and show you how to create and apply these essential visual aids in your data visualization project.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A sankey chart is a type of circular visualization that uses lines to represent the flow of information, data or energy that moves through a network. It is similar to a network diagram, but with the extra feature of showing the direction of the flow. This makes it easier to understand the direction that information flows from one location to another, making it popular among data scientists and analysts who need to visualize the relationships between different variables.
Why use a Sankey Chart?
Sankey charts are great for visualizing complex and interdependent relationships in data. They are particularly useful when the relationships between variables are ambiguous, because they allow you to identify the most significant connections between them. In addition, sankey charts are useful for displaying the direction of data flow, making it easier to explain the flow of information or energy, especially in fields such as engineering, physics, and computer science.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a sankey chart is relatively simple, but it requires some understanding of circular diagrams and flowcharts. Here are the general steps you can follow to create a sankey chart:
1. Sketch out the structure of your data: Before starting to create your sankey chart, you need to sketch out the structure of your data. This will be the backbone of your chart and will guide the placement of the lines.
2. Define the nodes: Next, define the nodes of your chart. These are the various parts of your data that flow through the network. Think of them as the starting and ending points for the flow.
3. Draw the lines: Once you have defined the nodes, you can start to draw the lines that represent the flow of information or energy. For each node, draw a line that connects the starting point and ending point. The direction of the line shows the flow of information or energy.
4. Add labels: Finally, add labels to each node and line to provide an explanation of the direction of the flow and the magnitude of the flow.
Applying Sankey Charts in Data Visualization
Once you have created your sankey chart, you can apply it in various ways to make it more useful in your data visualization project. Here are some examples:
1. As a guide for stakeholders: Sankey charts are particularly useful when you are trying to explain the direction of data flow to stakeholders. They allow you to communicate the flow of information or energy in a straightforward way, making it easier for them to understand the information that’s flowing through the network.
2. As a way to visualize complex relationships: Sankey charts are particularly useful when the relationships between variables are ambiguous. By showing the direction of the flow, they make it easier to explain the flow of information or energy, making it easier to identify the most important connections between them.
3. As a way to visualize network flows: Sankey charts can also be used to visualize network flows, such as information flow in a computer network or flow of raw materials in an industrial process. This makes it easier to understand the direction of data flow in a complex system.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex and interactive relationships in data. By understanding the importance of nodes and lines in a sankey chart and how to apply these lines to guide stakeholders,
you can create a clear and effective visualization that will help you to better understand data and its relationships. By applying sankey charts to your data visualization project, you can create simple and effective visualizations that make it easier for stakeholders to understand the direction of information and energy flow and help to identify the most significant connections between variables.

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