Sankey charts are an elegant and powerful visualization tool that provide a visual representation of hierarchical relationships. They are easy to use and very useful in a range of applications, including in the fields of economics, business, and social sciences.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how to create a Sankey chart, what they are, and some of the applications they can be used in. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to help you understand and use Sankey charts.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of diagram that uses a network graph to represent the flow of a fluid (such as money, people, information, or data) through a network of interconnected sources and sinks. The flow is represented as arrows, which flow from the source to the sink. The thickness of the arrows and the position of the nodes (sources/sinks) can vary depending on the type of data being represented.
Sankey charts are used to represent hierarchical relationships and to draw attention to certain parts of the network. They are often used in the fields of economics, business, and social sciences to visualize the flow of resources through different sectors or groups.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively simple. You’ll need to determine the data you want to represent, and then break it down into the different sources and sinks. Once you have the data, you can use a computer program to create the graph. There are many free programs available that can help you create Sankey charts.
To start, you’ll need to identify the sources and sinks. The sources are the groups or individuals that provide the resources, while the sinks are the groups or individuals that consume the resources. The arrows will represent the flow of resources between the nodes.
Once you have established the data and the structure of the network, you can start to create the graph. You’ll need to use a program, such as Excel or Tableau, to enter a set of values for each node and use a flow line in the right diagonal direction to represent the flow of resources. The width of the lines can be used to represent the volume of resources or the strength of the flow.
Some common Sankey charts include:
- Profit-sharing chart
- Food chain chart
- Water system chart
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in many different applications, including:
- Economic analysis: Sankey charts can be used to compare the flow of profits between different companies or sectors.
- Business management: Sankey charts can be used to demonstrate how resources are distributed within a business or organization.
- Social sciences: Sankey charts can be used to illustrate hierarchical relationships in social systems, such as the way that different groups interact in a society.
Some common use cases include:
- To represent the movement of resources in a food chain, such as the water cycle.
- To demonstrate flows of resources in a business or organization, such as in a flow chart.
- To demonstrate the hierarchical relationship between different sectors of an economy, such as in a profit-sharing chart.
Understanding Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are not only visually appealing and easy to understand, but they also allow for a deep level of analysis through the use of flow lines and different node sizes. Once you understand the data and structure of your Sankey chart, you can use it as a powerful tool to analyze and visualizing hierarchical relationships in a wide range of applications.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a simple yet powerful tool that can be used to visualize hierarchical relationships in a range of applications. They can be created with ease using free online tools or software like Microsoft Excel, and they are easy to understand and interpret. With the right understanding and technique, Sankey charts can be used to create visual representations of complex data that can have a significant impact on decision-making and analysis.
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