Sankey charts are a type of visual representation that can be used to visualize relationships and processes between interconnected elements. These charts have been commonly used in areas such as petroleum engineering, civil engineering, and environmental science to illustrate the flow of fluids or materials between different sources and destinations. But, these charts have recently gained popularity in the field of data analysis and visualization. In this article, we explore how creating and using sankey charts can uncover hidden patterns and processes in data.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Before we dive into creating a sankey chart, it’s important to understand what it is. A sankey chart is a type of network or relationship diagram that uses a rectangular grid to illustrate the flow of data or information. The diagram consists of multiple rectangles, or segments, which represent different categories or sources. Each segment can be connected to another segment with a line, and the length of the line represents the flow or amount of data between the two segments. These segments are typically vertical and each line represents the direction of the flow.
In sankey charts, the segments can be color-coded or labeled, depending on the type of information that you want to convey. For example, you can color the segments red for a flow of products entering a company, blue for raw materials leaving the firm, and green for both input and output flows.
There are two main types of sankey charts: directed and undirected. Directed charts are typically used to represent flow and movement of data through a network, while undirected charts are used to represent symmetric data flows such as temperature or humidity between different locations. There are multiple types of sankey diagrams, each with its own interpretation of the data and the flow.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in various fields such as engineering, physics, environmental science, and social sciences. In petroleum engineering, sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of materials such as crude oil and natural gas. In civil engineering, they can be used to illustrate the flow of water, sewage, and rainwater. In environmental science, they can be used to visualize the flow of nutrients and pollutants between aquatic ecosystems. However, the most popular use of sankey charts is in the field of data analysis.
In data analysis, sankey charts can be used to visualize the relationships between different variables and their impact on the overall system. For example, a sankey chart can illustrate the flow of data or information between different departments within a company, such as marketing and sales, finance, and human resources. It can also be used to visualize the flow of data or information between different data sources, such as customer feedback and market research data.
Sankey charts have many other applications, such as forecasting, forecasting, and planning, as well as project management and quality control.
Creating a Sankey Chart
To create a sankey chart, you will need the following tools: a graphical software program or a pen and paper. You will also need the information or data that you want to represent in the chart. In addition, you will need to understand the format and interpretation of the charts.
The first step is to break down the data into different types of sources, such as products or services, or different departments. The next step is to create a grid for the sankey chart with vertical lines for direction and the horizontal lines for segments. Each segment should be labeled with the category or type of information that it represents.
Once the segments are labeled and the grid is created, you can start to map out the flow of data or information. This involves deciding on the direction of the flow, such as how data flows from one source to another, and the quantity or amount of data that flows in each direction. You can also use color or shading to differentiate between different types of information or data sources.
Once the flow of data or information has been established, you can start to visualize it in a sankey chart. To create a sankey chart, you can use a tool like Microsoft Word, Excel, or software like Matplotlib or Seaborn. Alternatively, you can create a diagram by hand.
The key to creating a successful sankey chart is to have a clear understanding of the data and the flow of information. You should also take time to properly label each segment and the direction of the flow. This will help ensure that the chart is clear and easy to understand.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool that can help you uncover hidden patterns and processes in data. By breaking down your data into different sources and categories, you can visualize the flow of information or data and identify trends or patterns. They can be used in various fields such as engineering, environmental science, data analysis, and project management.
Sankey charts are relatively simple to create and can be used in various ways depending on the data you are analyzing. They are a great tool to explore the relationships between different entities and the flow of information or data. The key to using sankey charts effectively is to have a clear understanding of the data and to properly label and interpret the flow of information.

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