Title: Abstract: Sankey charts provide unique insights into data networks by visually mapping how flows of data flow between different entities. This article will explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, drawing on examples from a variety of fields to showcase their flexibility and effectiveness in illustrating complex data networks.
I. Introduction
Sankey charts are a type of diagram that visualizes data flows between different entities in a network. They are particularly useful for showing how resources (such as people, money, or information) flow through a system. Sankey charts were first developed by Eben Uren and Peter DeLima in the 1990s but have since become widely used for data visualization in fields such as business, public health, and social sciences.
II. Understanding Sankey Charts
A sankey chart typically consists of two diagrams: the left-hand side shows how a resource is distributed through a network, while the right-hand side shows how that resource flows through the network. The two diagrams are connected by a path that illustrates how the resource changes along the path. This makes it easy to see how the resource is distributed and how its flow changes over time.
III. Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be applied to many different types of data networks. For example, they can be used to show how resources flow through supply chains, social networks, and healthcare systems. Additionally, sankey charts can be used to show how different actors in a network impact each other, such as in research collaborations or investment partnerships.
IV. Real-World Examples
Sankey charts can be used to illustrate many different data networks. Here are a few examples:
– Supply Chain: Consider a hypothetical supply chain for a company, where materials are shipped to buyers through multiple stages of distribution. A sankey chart can be used to visualize how these materials are distributed and how they flow through the network.
– Social Networks: A sankey chart can be used to visualize how people in a social network interact with each other. For example, a chart can show how different individuals in a social network influence each other, or how different groups of individuals within a network influence each other.
– Healthcare Systems: A sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of resources in a healthcare system, such as the flow of patients from the emergency room to a hospital. A sankey chart can also show how different teams in the healthcare system impact each other, such as the flow of information or care.
V. Closing
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data networks that can show how resources flow through a system. They are especially useful for fields such as business, public health, and social sciences, where complex data networks are common. By allowing us to see how different data flows affect each other, sankey charts can provide a clearer understanding of the underlying patterns in data networks and help us make more effective decisions.

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