A Sankey chart is a type of network diagram that visually represents the flow of different sources, relationships, and destinations in a set of interconnected networks. It is a visual tool that allows analysts and data scientists to gain a clear understanding of complex systems and their interactions. In this article, we will explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts to help you understand the concept better.
How do Sankey charts work?
The basis of a Sankey chart is the flow of different components through a network. Each component (or “channel”) is represented by a line or arrow, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the flow. The length of the arrow represents the volume of the flow, or the amount of the component that was passed through the channel. The width of the arrows in a Sankey chart represents the amount of time that the flow occurred, often measured in units like years.
For example, in a Sankey chart representing the flow of information over time, the length of the lines representing different sources and destinations would represent the amount of information that was passed through each channel. The arrows pointing from one channel to another would represent the transfer of information between the sources and destinations.
The type of data represented in a Sankey chart depends on the specific application and the audience. For example, companies might use them to track the flow of data between departments, while organizations might use them to model the flow of information and resources within their supply chain.
The applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications, including:
- Network analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data or information across different departments, products, or systems. This can help identify areas where there is a bottleneck or where improvements can be made.
- Supply chain analysis: Companies often use Sankey charts to model the flow of goods and information through their supply chain. By visualizing the flow of inventory, products, and services, they can identify areas of the supply chain that are causing disruptions or inefficiencies.
- Educational and research: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information in academic or research settings, allowing students and researchers to explore complex systems and their interactions. This can help to identify areas of the system that could benefit from additional research or insight.
- Policy and regulatory analysis: Sankey charts can be used to model the flow of resources and information in government or regulatory bodies. By visualizing the flow of information and resources between different departments, they can help to identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks in the system and inform policy and regulatory changes.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of information and data in complex systems. With their ability to represent complex data in a clear and concise way, they can help businesses, organizations, and individuals better understand their systems and analyze their relationships. Whether you’re working on a project in academia, business, or government, a Sankey chart can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.
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