Sankey charts have become increasingly popular in the world of data visualization as a way to present complex data in a visually pleasing manner. These charts are particularly useful for presenting interconnections between different entities or resources, such as components that are interconnected in a circuit or different parts of a system.
In this article, we will explore the magic of sankey charts and how they can be used to present data in a clear and concise manner. We will also look at how to create your own sankey chart and what applications it can be used for.
What Are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of scatter plot that represent interconnections between different entities or resources. They are particularly useful for visualising the flow of resources or information between different nodes in a network.
Sankey charts are created using a type of algorithm that connects each node with the resource represented at its end. The thickness of the segment connecting two nodes represents the flow of resource between them. For example, if two resources are flowing between two nodes, then the thickness indicates the flow rate.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a wide variety of fields, including business, engineering, and social sciences. The following are some applications of sankey charts:
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Project and Network Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualise the flow of resources or information between different parts of a project. For instance, the flow of resources between different tasks or projects in a project management system.
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Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources between different healthcare systems or the flow of resources between different parts of a healthcare system.
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Manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and resources between different machines or parts of a manufacturing system.
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Energy: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources between different parts of an energy system, such as electricity to different parts of the network.
Creating Your Own Sankey Chart
Creating a sankey chart may seem daunting at first, but it is relatively easy with the right tools. You can create a sankey chart using software or through a series of steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a sankey chart:
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Choose the data: The first step is to choose the data you want to visualise. This could be a scatter plot or a network graph depending on the data you want to present.
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Select the nodes: In a sankey chart, nodes represent the entities or resources that are interconnected. Choose the entities or resources that you want to visualize in your sankey chart.
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Determine the flow: Determine the flow of resources or information between the nodes. This could be determined by statistical analysis or by looking at the data you have.
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Visualise the flow: Use the desired tool to visualize the flow of resources or information between the nodes. You can use a spreadsheet or graphing software to create the sankey chart.
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Customize the chart: Customize the sankey chart to make it more visually appealing by adjusting the colors and font sizes.
Sankey charts are a great way to understand how different entities or resources are interconnected, and they can be used to understand patterns and trends in complex data sets. Remember to use sankey charts responsibly to avoid information overload or misinterpretation of the data presented.
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.
