A Sankey chart is a graphical representation often used to display information flow between different sources and destinations. It’s a type of diagram that consists of directed, cylindrical pipes and is often used in healthcare and engineering applications, as well as finance, project management, and logistics.
Creating a Sankey chart can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the basics of graphing and visualization. However, with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can make a Sankey chart that effectively communicates information flow. This article will provide a visual guide to understanding how to create and interpret a Sankey chart.
1. Understanding the Shape of a Sankey Chart
A Sankey chart is typically composed of two main shapes: the input and output shapes. The input shape represents where the information flow is coming from, while the output shape represents the flow that is moving from the source into the sink.
For illustration purposes, consider the following example from the Sankey chart below:
Input
/ \
/ \
/ (Source)
/ \
/ \
/ \
/ /
/ / \
/ O /_______ (Sink)
\____\ \
/ / \
/______/_______
In this example, the input shape is represented by the circular shape at the top left, while the output shape is represented by the circular shape at the bottom right. The arrows that connect the shapes indicate the direction of the flow of information.
2. Choosing the Right Type of Diagram
Choosing the right type of diagram is critical to understanding the flow of information. For example, if you’re looking at the flow of water, a water flow diagram is the most appropriate option. Similarly, for logistic flow, a logistic diagram is the most appropriate type of diagram.
Additionally, Sankey diagrams are often used to represent complex information flow, and the choice of the type of diagram depends on the complexity of the information flow.
3. Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves using software that can create diagrams from a flow diagram or a list of information flow. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Sankey chart:
1. Organize the information flow: First, organize the information flow into categories or categories. For example, you can have categories for different types of information flow (e.g., flow from patient to treatment, flow from treatment to patient, etc.).
2. List the information flow: Once organized, list the information flow into categories or categories. You can use a list or a flow diagram to list the information flow.
3. Create the diagram: Use the software to create the diagram. The software should enable you to customize the diagram, including the colors and shapes.
4. Connect the diagram: Once the diagram is created, connect it to create the flow of information. For example, you can use arrows to indicate which information is flowing from one type of information to another.
5. Add the information flow: Add the information flow to the diagram by connecting the arrows to the data. The information flow should flow from the highest level of the diagram to the lowest level.
4. Interpreting the Diagram
Interpreting a Sankey diagram is relatively straightforward once you understand the basic shapes and types of flow. The arrows that connect the shapes indicate the direction of the flow of information.
In summary, a Sankey chart is a graphical representation of information flow between different sources and destinations. While creating a Sankey chart may be daunting, with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can make a Sankey chart that effectively communicates information flow. The process of creating and interpreting a Sankey chart can be a valuable tool for understanding complex information flow systems.
SankeyMaster
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