Sankey’s magic: Unleashing the power of flow in your data visualizations
Data visualization is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal for understanding and communicating complex information. By using visualizations, we can turn large datasets into insights that can be easily understood and acted upon. One of the most effective types of visualizations for displaying data flow is the Sankey chart.
What is a Sankey chart?
Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to show the flow of material, energy, or information between different components. These charts are named after their creator, Helmut Sankey, a Swiss engineer who developed the chart in the 1930s.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for displaying the flow of data between different variables or entities. They are easy to create and can be customized to suit the specific needs of your data.
One of the key benefits of using a Sankey chart is that it allows you to easily see the relationships between different variables. As you move from one node to another on the chart, you can see the flow of data or energy between those variables. This can help you identify patterns and trends that might not be visible with other types of visualizations.
Another advantage of using a Sankey chart is that it can be used to compare different variables. By displaying the flow of data or energy between two or more variables, you can see which variable is most important or dominant in the flow.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts have many potential applications in fields such as engineering, economics, and environmental science. Some examples of ways that Sankey charts can be used include:
- Displaying the flow of material or energy in a manufacturing process
- Analyzing the flow of information between different parts of a business or organization
- Evaluating the impact of different variables on a particular system or process
- Identifying the most important components in a complex system
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of settings, from small businesses to large corporations, and in fields such as engineering, finance, and environmental science. Whether you are examining the flow of material or energy, or information, in a particular system, a Sankey chart can help you gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between different variables.
Creating a Sankey chart
Creating a Sankey chart is easy using a flowcharting tool such as Visio, Gliffy, or Lucidchart. These tools allow you to create a chart by specifying the flow of data or energy between different components. You can customize the chart to suit your needs by changing the colors and symbols used to represent different variables.
Some flowcharting tools also include built-in templates for creating Sankey charts, making the process even easier.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flow. They are easy to create and can be customized to suit the specific needs of your data, making them ideal for displaying the flow of material, energy, or information between different components. Whether you are analyzing a manufacturing process or evaluating the impact of different variables on a particular system, a Sankey chart can help you gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between different variables.
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.
