Sankey charts are a type of diagram used to visualize the flow of information or resources in a network. They are commonly used in various fields such as economics, social sciences, and engineering. Mastering Sankey charts involves understanding their structure, principles, and applications. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to mastering Sankey charts.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a diagram that visualizes the flow of resources or information in a network. It commonly consists of two main parts: the input stream and the output stream. The input stream represents the source of the resources or information, while the output stream represents the destination of the resources or information. The flow direction is often marked by arrows.

Structure of a Sankey Chart

A Sankey chart consists of two main parts: the source and the sink. The source is the place where a resource or information flows in the direction of the input stream. The sink is the place where a resource or information flows out in the direction of the output stream. The flow direction is marked by arrows.

The central node represents the resource or information that is being conveyed in the network. The diagram is composed of nodes, which represent the various resources or information sources, and links, which represent the movement of resources or information.

Principles of Sankey Chart

There are several principles that guide the creation of a Sankey chart. These principles include:

1. The source node is at the beginning of the flow in the input stream and the sink node is at the end of the flow in the output stream.

2. The flow direction is represented by arrows, indicating the direction in which the resources or information is moving.

3. The central node in the diagram represents the resource or information being conveyed in the network.

4. The links in the diagram represent the flow of resources or information in the network.

Applications of Sankey Chart

Sankey charts find various applications in different fields such as economics, social sciences, and engineering. Some of them include:

1. Economic analysis – Sankey charts can be used to illustrate the flow of resources and information in an economic network, such as the flow of goods and services in trade networks.

2. Social sciences – Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of information and resources in social networks, such as the spread of diseases or ideas.

3. Engineering – Sankey charts can be used in engineering networks, such as water distribution networks or energy transfer networks, to visualize the flow of resources.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

To create a Sankey chart, follow these steps:

1. Draw the network: Sketch the diagram of the network and identify the source, sink, and central node.

2. Add the links: Draw the links connecting the nodes, indicating the flow of resources or information.

3. Determine the flow direction: Distinguish between positive and negative flows, indicating the direction of movement.

4. Add the arrows: Use arrows to show the direction of flow.

5. Label the diagram: Label the diagram with the names of nodes, links, and arrows to make it clear.

Creating a Sankey chart can be a complex process, but with practice and patience, it can become a straightforward workflow. By following the principles and structure of a Sankey chart, you can create a diagram that accurately represents the flow of resources or information in a network.

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