Sankey charts are a type of diagram that use arrows to represent the flow of information or data between different points, rather than using line segments to connect them. They are commonly used in fields such as business, engineering, and social science to visually represent complex network relationships.
Sankey diagrams are particularly useful in situations where there is a need to visualize the flow of information or data between multiple sources and sinks. For example, in a business context, the flow of revenue to different departments or suppliers might be represented in a Sankey diagram. In an engineering context, the flow of information between different components of a system might be represented in a Sankey diagram. In a social science context, the flow of information between different social groups might be represented in a Sankey diagram.
Sankey diagrams are created using a special kind of formula that involves adding up the numbers on the vertical axis and subtracting from that the numbers on the horizontal axis. The sum on the vertical axis represents the “source” of information or data, while the sum on the horizontal axis represents the “sink” of information or data. This allows for a clear indication of the direction of flow in the diagram.
Sankey diagrams have become increasingly popular in recent years as a result of their ability to visualize complex network relationships in a visually appealing and concise manner. However, creating a Sankey diagram can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to data formatting and presentation. To understand how to create and use a Sankey diagram, let’s look at an example.
Example:
Source (1500)
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Source (1500) Sink
In this example, we have a Sankey diagram that represents the flow of information between three sources and three sinks. On the left-hand side, we have three horizontal bars that represent the sources, and on the right-hand side, we have three vertical bars that represent the sinks. The heights of the bars represent the amount of information or data flowing between the sources and sinks, with the top of the bars representing the source and the bottom of the bars representing the sink.
To create a Sankey diagram, you will need to input the data that you want to represent in the diagram. In the example above, the data is represented in the four vertical columns (source quantity) and the two horizontal columns (sink quantity). The information that you input will then be used to create the diagram and display the flow of information or data between the sources and sinks.
There are many different software tools available that can create Sankey diagrams, such as Excel, Google Sheets, or Tikz and pgfplots. However, if you are not tech-savvy, you may be interested in purchasing a ready-made Sankey diagram that can be edited and customized to suit your needs.
In conclusion, Sankey diagrams are a useful tool for visualizing the flow of information or data between different sources and sinks. They are a simple and effective way of representing complex network relationships, and can be created and used using a variety of software tools. By understanding how to create and use a Sankey diagram, you can better understand the relationships between different stakeholders and make informed decisions in your field of study or profession.
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.
