Sankey charts are a type of data visualization tool that uses a network of lines to represent flow or mass flow relationships between different entities or sources to sinks. They are widely used in scientific and technical fields to visualize the relationships between different entities or systems. In this article, we will explore the basics of creating and using Sankey charts to help you improve your data visualization skills.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is a network-based visualization tool used to represent flow or mass transfer relationships between different entities or sources to sinks. It is usually composed of interconnected lines, with each line representing a specific flow or transfer of mass or energy. The lines are usually drawn in a way that follows the direction of the flow or the direction of the transfer, with the starting point at the left-hand side and the ending point at the right-hand side.
There are different types of Sankey charts, such as time and flow, or time and space. In time and flow, the flow direction is followed, while in time and space, the direction of flow transitions. These charts can also include markers, such as arrows or labels, to indicate the direction or quantity of the flow.
How to create a Sankey chart?
To create a Sankey chart, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the entities or systems you want to represent.
2. Define the relationships between the entities.
3. Create a network of lines that represent the flow or transfer of mass or energy.
4. Label each line with the quantity of flow or the direction of the flow.
5. Add markers if needed to indicate the direction or quantity of the flow.
6. Annotate the chart with the quantities of flow or the direction of flow to make it visible.
Sankey charts can be useful in many different fields, such as engineering, medicine, ecology, and sociology. They can help to visualyize the relationships between different entities or systems, such as the flow of fluids in a pipeline, the distribution of nutrients in an ecosystem, or the way information circulates in a social network.
Some popular uses of Sankey charts include:
1. Project management: To analyze the flow of resources, such as materials, labor, and funding, in a project management tool.
2. Engineering: To visualize the flow of energy or fluid in a pipeline or in a turbine.
3. Biology: To visualize the transfer of nutrients and gases in an ecosystem or the movement of cells in a tissue.
4. Sociology: To visualize the way information spreads in a social network or the way resources are allocated in a country.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing relationships between different entities or systems. They can be used in various fields to better understand the flow of mass or energy and to communicate the results in an easy-to-understand way. If you want to create your own Sankey chart, you have the flexibility to use any type of data, as long as it follows the flow or mass transfer pattern. With the right data and the right visual representation, your data will be better understood and more effectively communicated.

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.