Sankey charts are a great tool for understanding complex relationships and data that involve several sources and destinations. These charts have many uses in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare and government. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how to create and use Sankey charts:
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of diagram that can visualize intricate relationships between different parts of a complex system. These diagrams are created by plotting a series of arrow heads that represent different connections between sources (inputs) and destinations (outputs). The arrows are usually of different lengths to represent different speeds or intensities of the flow.
Types of Sankey Charts
There are two types of Sankey charts: stacked and layered. A stacked Sankey chart represents the flow as a series of stacked arrows, where the length of each arrow represents the total quantity of a certain resource or material. A layered Sankey chart, on the other hand, uses multiple layers to show the flow of information or data. At each layer, the chart shows a specific source and/or destination, and the arrows represent the flow between them.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
1. Determine Your Data: Before you begin designing your Sankey chart, you need to collect the data that will be visualized. This data should include the sources, destinations, and flow rates (quantities) of each resource or material being analyzed.
2. Choose Your Data Format: Decide on the data format that best reflects the way your data is organized. In many cases, the easiest way to create a stacked Sankey chart is to input the data in a plain text file. However, if your data is more complex, you may want to use a specialized program to help you create the chart.
3. Plot Your Graph: Using a software program, plot your data. Typically, the program will automatically create the arrows representing the flow of resources or materials. However, you may need to fine-tune the placement and length of the arrows to create the look you are striving for.
4. Customize Your Chart: Depending on your specific requirements, you may need to customize your Sankey chart further. You can add labels and legends to make your chart easier to understand. You can also change the color and size of the arrows to make them stand out.
5. Present Your Chart: Once you have created your Sankey chart, present it in a clear, concise manner. Make sure to explain the purpose of the chart and what you are trying to communicate with your audience. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the data and the flow of resources.
How to Interpret a Sankey Chart
Understanding how to interpret a Sankey chart doesn’t require any specific skill or knowledge. With a little bit of experience, you can quickly pick up the nuances of using these diagrams to understand complex data.
Here are some common ways to interpret a Sankey chart:
- Look for patterns: Sankey charts can reveal patterns in the flow of resources or materials that may not be immediately apparent.
- Focus on key events: Look for the key events in the flow of resources or materials, such as peaks and troughs, and focus on those events to understand the larger context of the chart.
- Understand the sources and destinations: The sources and destinations of the flow can help you understand the purpose or direction of the flow of resources or materials.
- Use the arrows for direction: Finally, the arrows on a Sankey chart can help you understand the direction and speed of the flow. For example, a chart with arrows that are shorter and spread out in all directions would represent a slower and less intense flow.
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.
