Introduction
When it comes to analyzing complex data, one versatile tool that can help shed light on the relationships between different components is the Sankey chart. This article will provide an overview of what a Sankey chart is, how to create one, and some specific examples of how it can be applied to different types of data.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart, also known as a flowchart, is a visualization tool that is used to display the direction and amount of flow between different elements or resources. It is typically made up of a number of arcs that represent the flow of materials or energy, and a number of nodes or circles that represent the sources or destinations.
There are two types of Sankey charts: the unidirectional chart, which displays the flow of materials only in one direction, and the bimodal chart, which displays both the flow of materials in two directions.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used to analyze a wide variety of data, from physical systems and biological processes to social and economic systems. They are particularly useful for analyzing complex systems with multiple layers or levels of hierarchy, as they allow you to see the relationships between different components and track the flow of information or resources.
For example, consider a city’s water system, where water is supplied to residents and businesses from multiple sources and delivered to various destinations. A Sankey chart can help visualize the flow of water across the system, showing the sources of water and the destinations and how the flow is being managed or redirected.
A Sankey chart can also be used to analyze social networks, such as collaborations between individuals or organizations. In this case, the chart can show the flow of relationships between people and groups, and how the relationships are changing or developing over time.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is a relatively simple process, but it can require some thought and consideration to ensure that the data is presented in the most effective way.
First, gather the data you want to visualize. This data should be organized in a way that makes sense when it comes to the flow and movement of materials or energy.
Next, decide where you want to place the nodes or circles on the chart, and how to represent the direction of flow. You can use arrows or other symbols to indicate the direction of flow.
Once you have the data and the layout of your chart, you can begin to build the chart using software such as Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart. These tools provide a rich set of customization options to help you ensure that your chart is clear and easy to understand.
Examples of Sankey Charts
Here are a couple of example Sankey charts:
Example 1: Water Supply System
This Sankey chart shows the flow of water through a city’s infrastructure. The different types of pipes and reservoirs are represented as nodes, and the flow of water is represented by arcs.
It is interesting to note that the direction of flow is clearly defined through the arrows, which help to visualize the movement of water from source to destination.
Example 2: Social Network Analysis
This Sankey chart shows the flow of collaboration between individuals in a group. The nodes represent individuals, and the arcs represent the relationships between them. The direction of the arc indicates the flow of information or resources between individuals (in this case, collaborative projects), and the color of the node indicates the degree of collaboration (lighter shades indicate higher degrees of collaboration).
Conclusion
Sankey charts provide a powerful tool for visualizing complex relationships and flow patterns in data. By understanding their structure and techniques, you can use them to gain insights beyond what is possible with traditional data visualization methods. The Sankey chart provides a rich set of data and customization options, making it an excellent tool for researchers, analysts and data scientists.

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