In today’s world, data storytelling has become crucial for almost every organization. Organizations that can effectively communicate their data, particularly through visual displays, are better positioned for success. Sankey charts are a powerful tool in visual storytelling that allows organizations to convey complex data in a clear and concise manner. In this article, we will explore the power of Sankey charts and provide a visual guide to understanding them.
Sankey charts are a type of diagram that visualizes directed flow of information, usually representing the flow of resources between nodes/objects. Resources can be various types, such as materials, energy, information, money, and people. Here’s how it works:
-
Data Collection: Before creating a Sankey chart, the data must be collected. The data should be arranged in a clear and structured way to make it easy to follow and visualize.
-
Node and Link Creation: Nodes are the starting points of the Sankey diagram. Each node represents a resource or object and contains information about its type, name, and properties. Links are the flow of the data between nodes. Each link has a direction that indicates the direction of the data flow.
-
Building the Diagram: Once all the nodes and links have been created, the diagram can be built. The nodes are connected by links that represent the flow of resources. The size of the nodes is proportional to the amount of the resource they represent, usually measured in units of mass or volume.
-
Visualizing the Diagram: Sankey charts can be visualized in several different ways. Some people prefer to read the chart from top to bottom to understand the direction and flow of resources. Others prefer to start with any one node, as they can change the direction of the flow at any time. Using a tool like Microsoft Power BI or Google Sheets can help to create a customized layout of the Sankey chart.
-
Applying the Diagram: When you have your Sankey chart in place, you can start applying them wherever you want. The chart is particularly useful for communicating detailed data that is too complex to explain in words alone. Sankey charts can also be used to illustrate how data flows between different sources and sinks.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for communicating complex data in a clear and concise manner. They are visual representations of flow information, which can help to convey a lot of information in a single glance. With the right layout and design, a Sankey chart can be a compelling way to communicate information quickly and effectively. Whether you are starting from scratch or need to create one for your organization, a Sankey chart can be an excellent tool for visualizing and understanding data.
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.
