Sankey charts are a visual representation of the flow of data, which can be incredibly helpful in analyzing and interpreting complex data. In this article, we’ll explore how to create sankey charts and discuss their applications in various fields, from business analytics to engineering.
What are sankey charts?
A sankey chart is a type of comparative flow chart that uses pipes to represent the flow of information or data. Each pipe is labeled with the source and destination nodes (e.g. countries or resources) of the flow, and the length of the pipe indicates the flow rate.
Sankey charts can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and can be customized with different color schemes, labels, and legends.
How to create sankey charts
Creating a sankey chart is easy with some software tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Collect your data
The first step is to gather the data you want to visualize. This data should be represented in a table format, for example, with one column for the source node and one column for the destination node.
Step 2: Determine the dimensions of your data
Determine the dimensions of the data you want to display on the chart, i.e. the number of nodes and the type of flow (i.e. in, out, or out+in data).
Step 3: Create the sankey chart
Create a sankey chart using a tool like FlowChart Pro or Canva. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft Excel and data visualization libraries like Bokeh.
Step 4: Customize your chart
Customize your sankey chart by adding color schemes, labels, and legends. You can also adjust the length of the pipes to reflect the flow rate.
Applications of sankey charts
Sankey charts are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of fields to visualize complex data. Here are some examples of where you might use a sankey chart:
Business analytics
Sankey charts can be used to analyze data related to sales, production, and other processes in a business. For example, you might use a sankey chart to visualize the flow of resources between departments or products.
Engineering
Sankey charts can be used in engineering to visualize the flow of materials or energy through a system. For example, a sankey chart might help you visualize how water is circulated through a water treatment plant.
Healthcare
Sankey charts can be used in healthcare to visualize the flow of medical treatments or therapies in a hospital. For example, a sankey chart might help a hospital planner visualize the flow of patients from different departments.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flow of data in different fields. With the right data and the right software, you can create custom sankey charts that accurately represent the flow of information. So, if you’re working on a data analysis project, consider using a sankey chart to visualize your data!
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.
