Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that are particularly effective at displaying complex and interconnected networks or relationships. They are a particularly useful tool for understanding and analyzing complex systems such as supply chains, food webs, and social networks. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to creating and applying sankey charts.
The Basics of Sankey Charts:
A sankey chart is a type of data visualization where you plot different types of information on two overlapping axes, and the data flows between them as a series of “channels.” The basic elements of a sankey chart include:
– A source, which is the input or start of the data flow
– A destination, which is the output or end of the data flow
– A channel, which is the line connecting the source and destination
– A label, which provides additional information about the channel, such as the type of data flow, the amount of data flow, or the source and destination of the data flow
For example, in a supply chain sankey chart, the source would represent the products being produced, the destination would represent the raw materials needed to produce the products, and the channels would represent the flow of goods and services between the two.
Practical Applications:
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of applications, including:
– Visualization of complex systems and networks, such as supply chains or social networks
– Analysis of energy systems, such as gas or water pipelines
– Analysis of economic systems
– Analysis of environmental systems, such as water systems or ecosystems
– Analysis of supply and demand
Creating a Sankey Chart:
Creating a sankey chart involves several steps, including:
– Organizing the data into a network
– Determining the type of channel to use, based on the nature of the data flow
– Plotting the network on a chart
– Adding labels to the chart to provide additional information
– Customizing the chart to make it visually appealing and easy to read
Tools for creating sankey charts:
There are several tools available for creating sankey charts, including:
– Microsoft Power BI
– Tableau
– Google Data Studio (formerly Chart Studio)
– D3.js
– Draw.io
– ECharts (an open-source library for charts)
Customizing Your Sankey Chart:
Customizing a sankey chart involves adding additional elements to make it visually appealing and easy to read. Some common elements to add include:
– Background colors, fonts, and iconography to make the chart more visually appealing
– Color coding to highlight different types of data flow or different channels or destinations
– Text boxes to provide additional information about the channels or the overall project
Understanding Sankey Charts:
While sankey charts can be visually complex, they are not hard to use. The key to understanding sankey charts is to think of them as networks, and to understand the elements of the chart as channels between the nodes.
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive guide to creating and applying sankey charts. Whether you are analyzing a supply chain, an ecosystem, or any other complex system, sankey charts can be a powerful tool for visualization and analysis.
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.
