How to Use Sankey Charts to Visualize Complex Data and Increase Understanding

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data and making sense of quantitative and non-quantitative information. They are a type of network diagram that uses segments to represent the flow of data from one place to another, often between two main sources (or flows).

Sankey charts are useful for showing a wide range of data, including time series data, cross-sectional data, and data that crosses different dimensions, such as income, education, and occupation. They can also help you understand the relationships between different data sources and how they fit together.

In this article, we will take a look at how to use sankey charts to visualize complex data and increase understanding.

Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a sankey chart is relatively easy. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Determine the source and target of the data
    • Identify the source (the initial point from which the data originates) and the target (the final point to which the data flows).
  2. Choose the colors and labels
    • Decide on a color scheme for each source and target.
    • Choose a font style and size.
  3. Draw the sankey chart
    • Draw a horizontal line for each source.
    • Draw a vertical line for each target.
    • Draw a filled segment for each flow from the source to the target.
    • Connect each source with each target with a segment.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a wide range of applications, including:

  1. Data analysis: Sankey charts can help you visualize and analyze complex data, such as sales data or production data.
    • For example, you can use a sankey chart to show the flow of sales data between different regions or countries.
  2. Planning and forecasting: Sankey charts can help you plan and forecast how different flows will shape the future. For example, you can use a sankey chart to show how different economic policies will affect the flow of jobs or income.
  3. Human resource management: Sankey charts can help you visualize the flow of employees between different departments or locations. For example, you can use a sankey chart to show how employees are distributed across different departments or locations.
  4. Healthcare management: Sankey charts can help you visualize the flow of resources between different healthcare facilities. For example, you can use a sankey chart to show how healthcare resources are distributed across different facilities.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data and making sense of quantitative and non-quantitative information. By understanding the steps for creating sankey charts and their applications, you can effectively use sankey charts to visualize data and make informed decisions based on the information presented.

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.

SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.
SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.