Introduction
Sankey charts have become popular among data visualization experts for their ability to communicate complex network data in a clear and concise manner. Developed by British physicist and researcher Sir John Sankey in the 20th century, sankey charts have been used in various fields, including civil engineering, economics, and sociology, to illustrate the flow of resources or information within a network.
In this article, we will explore the basics of sankey charts and provide a visual guide to understanding their applications in network data visualization. We will also discuss how to create sankey charts and provide examples of sankey charts in use to demonstrate the versatility of this data visualization tool.
What are Sankey Charts?
A sankey chart is a type of network diagram that plots the flow of resources or information through a network. It is essentially a graph with a flow of information from one point to another, and it allows for the visualization of data in a way that is both intuitive and easy to understand.
Here’s a basic example of a sankey chart:

In this example, each point represents a resource (for example, a building, a road, or a communication channel) that moves from source to destination. The length of the arrows connecting each point indicates the flow rate of that resource.
Sankey charts are particularly useful when the data being visualized are too complex to understand by eye, or when the data is difficult to visualize using other types of diagrams. They can also be used to show the relationships between two or more networked resources, as in the example below:

In this example, the sankey chart shows the flow of information between a source node (in this case, a communication channel) and a destination node (in this case, a research organization). The arrows show how the information is moved through the network, and the length of the arrows represents the flow rate.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a sankey chart involves several steps:
1. Define the nodes: Identify the nodes that will represent the different network resources being analyzed.
2. Choose an appropriate color scheme: Decide on a color scheme that is visually distinct and easy to distinguish between different types of resources.
3. Determine the flow rates: Assign a flow rate to each node based on the data being analyzed.
4. Draw the diagram: Draw the sankey chart with the nodes and arrows representing the flow analysis.
5. Add labels and annotations: Use the labels and annotations to make the sankey chart more informative and easier to understand.

Examples of Sankey Charts in Use
Sankey charts have been used in various industries and fields to illustrate complex network data flow. Here are a few examples:

• Civil Engineering: Sankey charts have been used in civil engineering projects to represent the flow of materials and resources through urban networks. They can be used to visualize the traffic flow on urban roads or the movement of water on a dam.
• Economics: Sankey charts have been used in economics to demonstrate the movement of capital or production through a network. For example, a sankey chart could show the flow of capital from a multinational company to a local franchise in a country.
• Sociology: Sankey charts have been used in sociology to study social networks and relationships between individuals. They can be used to map relationships between individuals, such as friends in social circles or business partners in a network.
• Education: Sankey charts have been used in education to represent learning or information flow within a network. For example, a sankey chart could show the flow of students through a school or the movement of information through a library.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding complex network data flow. By defining their nodes and assigning flow rates, artists or developers can easily create visualizations that accurately convey the relationships between resources or people within a network. With so many potential applications in various fields, it seems that sankey charts will continue to be a popular and effective data visualization tool for years to come.

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