Sankey charts are a type of diagram that visually illustrate the flow of a specified quantity over a given time period. These charts are particularly useful in situations where a specific amount is being transferred from one source to another, and it’s essential to show how this amount is distributed between two or more sources and targets. Sankey charts are highly visual and allow the user to convey complex scenarios that would be challenging or impossible to illustrate with traditional bar or line charts.
The process of creating a Sankey chart involves the following steps:
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Identifying the main flow source and target: The key to a successful Sankey chart is selecting a clear and easily recognizable source and target. This should be based on the problem that the chart is addressing.
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Recording the flow data: Once the flow source and target have been identified, the next step is to record the flow of data. This can be done visually on a blank paper or digitally using software such as Excel or Google Sheets.
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Creating the Sankey diagram: The Sankey diagram should be created using software such as Lucidchart, Lucidchart Online, or Geogebra in a format that can easily be read. The diagram should show the flow data in a visually appealing and comprehensible format.
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Adding labels and annotations: Finally, the Sankey chart should be annotated with additional information such as flow rates, percentages, and other relevant data. This will help the viewer to understand the flow relationship between the source and target in more detail.
There are numerous applications of Sankey charts in different fields, including finance, economics, environmental science, and public health. The versatility of Sankey charts has made them ideal for visualizing flow relationships in a wide range of industries. Here’s a brief outline of some of these applications:
1.Finance: Sankey charts can be used to demonstrate the flow of money from one source to another, either for a specific period or over a longer time frame. The chart can show the sources and targets, and the rates at which money flows in both directions.
2.Economics: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods and services from one producer to another. This can help to highlight inefficiencies in the market and identify areas for improvement.
3.Education: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information between educators and students. This can be used to identify knowledge that students need to learn and the sources from which they can gain that knowledge.
4.Environmental science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of water, pollution, and chemicals in a specific region. This can help to identify areas where pollution has been occurring, and suggest ways to reduce pollutant emissions.
5.Public health: Sankey charts can help to visualize the flow of medical treatments and resources between hospitals and other medical facilities. This can help to pinpoint areas where additional medical resources are needed.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a highly visual and effective tool for visualizing flow relationships in a wide range of fields. With their flexibility, ease of use, and ability to convey complex concepts, Sankey charts are an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to convey flow relationships in a clear and understandable way.
In this article, we learned about the various uses of Sankey charts across different industries. While they have been used in a variety of fields, it is essential to understand the basics to make the most of their potential.
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.
