Sankey graphs are a type of visualization tool that can help you gain deeper insights and better understand complex data sets. They are particularly useful for showing the flow of data from one source to another, as well as for highlighting relationships between different factors. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the creation and application of Sankey charts, along with a few design tips to help you create effective and professional Sankey graphs.
What is a Sankey graph?
A Sankey graph is a type of chart that uses nodes and arrows to represent the flow of a data set. Nodes represent data sources or sinks, while arrows represent the direction of flow between them. Nodes that are flowing from one side of the graph indicate that the data is moving in one direction, while nodes that are flowing to the right indicate that the data is moving from one direction. In other words, nodes represent the source and destination of data, and arrows represent the direction of flow between them.
Sankey graphs are particularly useful for revealing complex relationships between different factors. For example, a Sankey graph indicating the flow of people entering or leaving a country could show how the population is distributed within the country, as well as how different regions are connected to each other. A Sankey graph for a hospital could illustrate the flow of patients between different departments, as well as the flow of staff and supplies between different areas of the hospital.
Creating a Sankey graph
To create a Sankey graph, you’ll need to collect the data you want to visualize and organize your nodes and arrows accordingly. You can use online tools like Tableau or D3 for creating this data visualization, or you can use a basic Google Sheets tool called SankeyCharts.io for simple Sankey charts.
To create a Sankey chart for your data, follow these steps:
1. Collect your data: Decide which data points you want to visualize and organize them into categories or sections.
2. Create your nodes and arrows: Select your categories or sections as nodes, and connect arrows between nodes to show the flow of data.
3. Format and customize your chart: Add labels and other visual elements to make your chart more informative and easy to understand.
4. Customize your results: Use filters, sorting, and other features to fine-tune your Sankey chart and gain deeper insights.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey graphs are an excellent tool for visualizing complex data. They are frequently used in fields such as economics, social science, health care, and politics. In economics, for example, Sankey graphs are used to show relationships between different factors, such as the flow of investment, labor, and innovation. In social science, they are used to reveal the flow of social connections, such as the flow of relationships, influence, and power. In health care, they are used to show the flow of patients between different facilities, while in politics, they are used to show the flow of campaign donations and influence.
Conclusion
Sankey graphs are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data and revealing hidden relationships between different factors. They are particularly useful for showing the flow of data from one source to another, as well as for highlighting relationships between different factors. Whether you’re an economist, social scientist, health care professional, or political strategist, Sankey graphs are an invaluable tool for gaining deeper insights into your data. With a little practice and creativity, you can create effective Sankey charts that will help you unlock new insights and better understand the world around you.
SankeyMaster
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