Introduction:
Data visualization has become an integral part of modern data analysis and presentation. Historically, data flow networks (DFNs) have been the subject of interest among scholars and practitioners. The key element of DFNs is that data flow across different entities, and it can be represented using diagrams such as Bar Chart, Heatmap, Pie Chart, Scatter Plot, etc. However, these traditional methods don’t capture the essence of flow networks. Sankey chart is the modern answer to depict complex flow networks with ease.
Sankey chart:
Sankey chart is a type of diagram that is used to represent the flow of data flowing from one point to another entity. The chart consists of three main elements: source point, target points, and line segments connecting the source to the target points. The chart uses flow direction to convey the direction of flow. The elements of a Sankey chart can be annotated using symbols to identify the source, the target, and the flow direction.
Applications:
Sankey charts have found numerous use cases in different fields such as economics, biology, and environmental science. Business analysts and economists use Sankey charts to analyze the flow of data flow, such as stock exchange data or company revenue. Biologists use Sankey charts to represent gene flow, nutrient flow, and molecular interactions between organisms and molecules. Environmental scientists use Sankey charts to represent the flow of water through rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
The power of Sankey charts over traditional methods:
Sankey chart has several advantages over traditional methods, such as Bar Chart, Heatmap, Pie Chart, and Scatter Plot. Firstly, Sankey charts are easy to understand, even for people without a background in graph theory. Secondly, Sankey charts visually represent the flow of information or data, which is essential in complex flow networks. Thirdly, Sankey charts can be annotated with specific labels, making it easy to identify the source, target, and flow direction. Finally, Sankey charts provide more accurate representation of the flow of data, making it easier to identify bottlenecks, critical points, or important flow nodes.
Conclusion:
Sankey charts provide a new level of visualization for complex flow networks. Despite its simplicity, Sankey charts offer a powerful instrument for analyzing data flows. Sankey charts can be easily annotated with specific labels, making it easy to identify bottlenecks, critical points, or important flow nodes. Their ability to visualize complex flows of data, their ease of use, and their ability to provide accurate representation of the flow of information, make them a valuable tool for data scientists and practitioners in various fields.

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.