Sankey charts are a type of network diagram that is widely used in business and science to visualize complex and interconnected data. Unlike traditional network diagrams, which use lines and nodes to express relationships between objects and entities, a sankey chart uses a series of arrows to represent flows of information or energy. In this article, we will explore the secret sauce that makes sankey charts so useful, and show you how to create and use them effectively.
Firstly, let’s talk about the importance of the concept of flow in information analysis. Traditionally, information is represented as a series of nodes, each representing a different entity or concept. However, this can be confusing and cluttered, especially when multiple entities are related to each other through complex and interconnected relationships. For example, a hospital might have different departments, such as medical, research, and administrative, which are all interconnected through various processes such as patient care and research grants.
One way to visualize this is to use a network diagram, which connects different nodes with lines to denote relationships between them. However, this is a complex and unwieldy way of depicting the relationships, and it is often difficult to quickly grasp the underlying structure of the system.
Therefore, sankey charts are a better choice for representing complex information. They use a series of arrows to express the direction and flow of data, information, or energy through the system. As the user, you can easily hover over the arrows to see the start and destination of the flow, and quickly gauge the flow rates and volume of information.
Sankey charts are not only a better representation of information, they also make it easier to identify areas of interest and make effective decisions. By highlighting the most important arrows, you can quickly analyze the data, compare different systems, and make strategic decisions based on this analysis.
Moreover, sankey charts can be made and visualized using a variety of tools and software. Some popular examples include Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and ArcGIS. These tools provide various features and customization options, allowing you to easily create and customize sankey networks according to your specific needs.
However, it’s important to note that sankey charts are not just a glorified network diagram, they are actually a type of network diagram, albeit a more intuitive and easier-to-generate type. The complexity of the information is represented through the arrows and the ease of visualization makes sankey charts ideal for representing complex information that would be overwhelming or confusing through traditional network diagrams.
In summary, sankey charts are a powerful tool for representing and analyzing complex information flow. They use arrows to represent the direction and volume of data and flow to allow for quicker and more effective analysis. With a variety of software and tools available, creating and visualizing sankey charts is easy and efficient, making them a great choice for researchers, scientists, and business professionals alike.
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.
