Sankey charts are a data visualization technique that can effectively represent complex data in a visually appealing way. These charts, originally developed by the British military during World War I, are now widely used in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to social sciences and business. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of what a Sankey chart is and how to create one.
A Sankey chart is a network diagram that shows how specific flows are related to each other. These flows can be materials, people, or information, and they can be represented as lines on the chart. The direction of the lines tells you the direction of the flow, while the numbers on the ends of the lines tell you how much material is passing through.
To create a Sankey chart, you’ll need to have a set of data that you want to visualize. It’s important to make sure that the data has both incoming and outgoing flows, and that these flows can be visualized as lines on the chart. Once you have your data cleaned up and organized, you’ll need to decide on a style for your chart. This might include choosing a color scheme, making sure the labels are on the right side of the bars, and even deciding whether to add a symbol to the arrows.
With all that out of the way, here are some basic rules and tips that you can use in creating your Sankey chart:
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Choose a clear and simple color scheme for your chart. This can make it easier to identify different data sources at a glance.
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Label each of your bars with the label of the source flow that it represents. This can help you quickly identify which flow is being represented by a particular bar.
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Make sure that each line has a consistent width and direction. This will make it easier to visually identify the direction of the flow.
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Keep the bars of your Sankey chart as clean and simple as possible. Avoid making them very crowded or cluttered, as this can make it harder to spot the different data sources.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a Sankey chart that effectively communicates complex data to your audience. Whether you’re trying to visualize the flow of water in a water treatment system or the flow of data in a hospital, a well-designed Sankey chart can make all the difference.
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.
