Sankey charts have gained increasing popularity in recent years due to their unique ability to visualize complex networks of data relationships. Unlike traditional bar or line charts, which often exaggerate or simplify the underlying data, Sankey charts allow us to see the full context and nuances of a data relationship.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look atsankey chart creation and applications, exploring what they are, how they work, and some key tips for creating your own visual masterpiece.
Basic Understanding of Sankey Chart
Sankey charts are a type of network diagram that show flow rates between two or more entities. The chart can display the flow rates or volumes of each entity, as well as the direction of the flow from one entity to another. It’s widely used to visualize data flows between different groups or systems.
The first type of Sankey chart is called a flowchart, which shows how data or information moves through a network. This type of chart is often used to track the flow of data in a business or organization, or the flow of information in a school or classroom.
Another type of Sankey chart is a supply and demand chart, which shows how two or more entities balance each other out. For example, if two companies sell the same product, the supply and demand chart will show how the demand for the product affects the quantity of the product the companies sell. This is useful for understanding how two companies are working together to balance supply and demand.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is not as complicated as it looks. You don’t need to know anything about data analysis or visualization to create a Sankey chart. All you need is a bit of creativity and some basic software.
To create a Sankey chart, you need to organize your data into groups or entities. You can use any tool or software that supports network diagrams or Gantt charts. Once you’ve created your groups, you can then start mapping out the data flow.
To create a flow chart, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1. Organize your data into groups or entities.
2. Create a diagram of each group and the entities that it contains.
3. Map out the flow of data from one entity to another.
4. Add labels to each entity and line to indicate the direction of the data flow.
5. Create a symbol of each entity to represent its data flow.
6. Format your chart as desired, such as using a different color or size.
Examples of Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts are not just for visualizing data flow; they can also be used to visualize different types of flow, such as traffic or water flow. They can also be used to visualize the flow of thought and creativity, such as creative flowcharts or flow diagrams of ideas and concepts.
For example, the flow of water can be visualized on a Sankey chart as follows:
– Source: River
– Destination: Drainage Channel
– Flow Rate: Water Depth
As you can see, this flow diagram shows the flow of water from the river to the drainage channel. It shows how the water flows through the river and filters through the drainage channel.
Another visualization example is the flow of money. Here’s an example of how it can be illustrated on a Sankey chart:
– Source: Savings Account
– Destination: Retirement Account
– Flow Rate: Interest Rate
– Destination: Income
– Flow Rate: Savings Spending
– Destination: Expenses
– Flow Rate: Revenues
– Destination: Investments
The Sankey chart shows the flow of money from the savings account to the retirement account, with the interest rate representing the flow rate of money. It shows how the money is spent or saved, both to the expenses and revenues. This provides a clear understanding of how the money is moving through the system.
Tips for Creating a Sankey Chart
There are a few tips to remember when creating a Sankey chart:
1. Keep it simple and easy to read. A large or complex Sankey chart may overwhelm the viewer and make it difficult to understand.
2. Use symbols and labels to help make the chart more easy to understand. It is usually helpful to use colors and shapes to distinguish different entities and directions.
3. Use labels to explain the meaning of each line and entity on the chart. This will help the viewer understand the flow of information or data.
4. Make sure your chart has a consistent layout and size. The size and placement of entities and lines should not change from one point to another.
By following these tips, you can create a Sankey chart that effectively displays the information you’re trying to convey. Whether you’re creating a flow chart for a business, a school, or a creative thinking process, a Sankey chart can be a valuable tool in visualizing data and information.

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.