Streamlining Your Data Visualization with Sankey Charts: A Beginner’s Guide
Data visualization is a powerful tool for understanding and presenting complex information in a clear and accessible way. There are many different types of charts and graphs available for data visualization, each with its own set of benefits and limitations. One type of chart that has gained popularity in recent years is the Sankey chart.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart, also known as a flowchart, is a type of chart that is used to display the flow of goods, services, or ideas between different nodes or regions. It is often used to show the movement of materials or information through a supply chain, or to show the flow of ideas between different fields or disciplines.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for showing the relative importance or direction of a flow. For example, a Sankey chart can be used to show the relative importance of different regions in a supply chain, or the direction of the flow of information between different fields or disciplines.
How do I create a Sankey chart?
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively straightforward. There are several different software tools available that you can use to create Sankey charts, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Sheets.
In Excel, for example, you can create a Sankey chart by using the Sankey tool, which is available in the Excel Insights add-in. The Sankey tool allows you to specify the nodes and links in your chart, and then generates a Sankey chart for you.
In PowerPoint, you can create a Sankey chart using the Insert tab and the Smiling Face chart icon. From there, you can select the Sankey chart option and customize the chart to your liking.
In Google Sheets, you can create a Sankey chart using the Sankey chart library, which is available on GitHub. This library includes a set of Google Sheets add-ons that you can use to create Sankey charts.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are a useful tool for a wide range of applications. Some common examples include:
- Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of materials through a supply chain, and can help you identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Marketing analysis: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of ideas or messages between different marketing channels, and can help you identify which channels are most effective.
- Social network analysis: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of connections between individuals in a social network, and can help you identify clusters or subgroups within the network.
- Financial analysis: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of funds or investments between different accounts, and can help you identify areas of the financial system that may be at risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of goods, services, or ideas between different nodes or regions. They are particularly useful for showing the relative importance or direction of a flow, and can be used in a wide range of applications, including supply chain management, marketing analysis, social network analysis, and financial analysis. If you are looking for a simple and effective way to streamline your data visualization, consider using a Sankey chart.
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