Introduction
Sankey charts are highly visual and informative tools for presenting complex data in a straightforward and accessible manner. These charts are particularly useful in fields such as economics, social sciences, engineering, and natural resources management. In this article, we will explore the power of sankey charts and how to create them using different visualization libraries. We will also discuss the applications of sankey charts in various industries and provide examples of how they have been used in real-world scenarios to unlock valuable insights and make data-driven decisions.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of diagram that is used to represent relationships between two sets of nodes or entities. The nodes represent different types of entities or attributes, and the links between nodes represent the flow of data or information between them. The type of flow and direction associated with the links can be customized to suit the needs of the data being visualized.
There are different types of sankey charts, but the most commonly used ones are the horizontal and vertical sankey charts. In a horizontal sankey chart, the flow of data is represented vertically, with the nodes placed horizontally on the x-axis and the flow represented as arcs or lines. In a vertical sankey chart, the flow of data is represented horizontally, with the nodes placed vertically on the y-axis and the flow represented as arcs or lines.
Sankey charts can be used to visualize a wide range of data, including historical documents, genealogy charts, network architecture, and transportation routes. They are particularly effective for visualizing complex relationships, flow, and change over time.
For example, an economist might use a sankey chart to visualize the flow of trade between two countries or regions over time, showing the exchange of goods, services, and money. Sankey charts can also be used to visualize the flow of information between different topics or themes, such as the flow of ideas in a conference or the flow of research questions in an academic paper.
Creating Sankey Charts – Libraries and Tools
Creating sankey charts can be done using a variety of visualization libraries and tools that allow you to customize the visual representation and layout of the chart to suit the needs of the data being visualized. Some popular libraries and tools used for sankey chart creation include D3.js, Sankey.js, and Gexpress. These libraries and tools allow you to create visually appealing and informative sankey charts that are easy to customize and use in different types of projects, from academic research to business analysis.
Incorporating Infographics in Sankey Charts
One of the most significant benefits of sankey charts is their ability to visualize complex data in a simple and clear way. One way to enhance the visualization and make it even more informative is by incorporating infographics in the sankey chart. Infographics can be used to provide additional information about the data being visualized, such as labels, symbols, and colors to highlight the importance or significance of the flow and direction. Infographics can also be used to create a visually appealing and engaging chart that is easy to understand and share with others.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for presenting complex data in a straightforward and accessible manner. They can be used to visualize relationships, flow, and change over time, and can be created using a variety of libraries and tools. By incorporating infographics in sankey charts, the visual representation can be even more informative and engaging, and can unlock valuable insights and make data-driven decisions in real-world scenarios.

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.