Sankey diagrams, also known as Sankey charts or Sankey diagrams, are a type of network visualization that are commonly used to convey complex data. They are useful for displaying the amount and direction of flow of a particular variable in a system, such as resource consumption or energy flow. In this article, we’ll explore what a Sankey chart is, how to create one, and how to effectively use them to navigate complex data.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is an interactive network visualization that is useful for displaying the amount and direction of flow of a particular variable. Sankey charts are typically used to represent the distribution of flow between different variables or to show the direction and amount of flow between them. They are created by overlaying a flow of arrows on top of a data flow map.
The basic layout of a Sankey chart consists of a reference arrowhead that represents a starting point, a collection of input arrows, an output arrow, and another reference arrowhead that represents the end point. The input and output arrows represent the flows between the different variables, and the arrows in between represent the variable that is being fed into or flowed out of the system.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are useful for a variety of business applications, including:
– Analyzing the flow of resources in supply chain networks.
– Understanding the flow of information or communication within an organization.
– Exploring the sources and sinks of data in different departments or areas of a business.
– Analyzing and visualizing the flow of energy in different parts of a facility.
– Evaluating the effectiveness of supply chain management in an organization.
Creating Sankey Charts with Software
There are many different tools and software programs available for creating Sankey charts. Some popular options include:
– Tableau – A powerful business intelligence and data visualization software that allows users to create and manipulate Sankey charts using a drag-and-drop interface.
– Microsoft Visio – A drawing and diagramming software that allows users to create and manipulate Sankey diagrams using different drawing and customization options.
– ArcMap – A geographic information system (GIS) software that uses the GML format to create data and diagramming files that can be opened and manipulated using ArcGIS software.
– QGIS – A free and open-source geographic information system that provides a way to create a GML file that can be opened and manipulated using other software or GIS programs.
Using Sankey Charts to Navigate Data
Sankey charts are a valuable tool in navigation, as they allow you to easily understand the flow of data between different variables or resources. Some key features of Sankey charts are:
– They allow you to visualize the amount and direction of flow.
– They can be used in conjunction with other types of data to create more complex relationships.
– They are easy to create using software and are scalable to larger data sets.
– They can be used to quickly identify areas of potential improvement or new opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a valuable tool in business analysis and can be used to navigate large amounts of complex data. Whether you’re working with supply chain networks, analyzing information flow, or exploring the energy flow in a facility, a Sankey chart can help you visualize the data and gain insights that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise. With the right software and the right visualization techniques, Sankey charts can become a powerful tool in your data analysis arsenal.
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