Sankey charts are an excellent tool for visualizing flow and network data. These charts are simple enough to use for beginners and powerful enough to handle complex data. They can be used to visualize anything from a simple flow of data to more complex relationships between variables. Let’s take a deeper look at the power of Sankey charts, how they work, and some unique applications.
Why Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of network visualization that is used to illustrate the flow of data. These charts are based on two different types of charts – a linear flow chart and a circular flow chart. The linear flow chart is used to show the flow of data from one source to another while the circular flow chart is used to show the flow of data from one node to another. The different types of charts are combined together by connecting them through lines.
How They Work
Sankey charts work by showing the flow of data from one node to another. Each node is represented by either a circle (for a linear flow chart) or a line (for a circular flow chart). The flow is represented by the thickness of the line or the length of the arrow. The color of the line or arrow represents the direction of the flow.
For example, imagine a website that tracks the time visitors stay on the site for an average visit. The website will have a linear flow chart, with the visitor as the node. Each node will show the time spent on the page (in minutes) and the duration of the visit (in hours). As users navigate the website, the color of the lines will shift to represent the different duration of their visits. This is the basic flow of data, and the Sankey chart becomes a tool for visualizing it.
Some Unique Applications
Sankey charts can be used for several unique applications, including:
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Network Marketing – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customers in a marketing network. Each node can be used to represent a city or region where a product is being sold, and the color of the lines can represent the level of demand for the product.
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Healthcare – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data related to healthcare. For example, a chart can be used to show the flow of patients from hospitals to clinics, or from clinics to patient’s homes.
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Finance – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money in different currencies through different regions. In this case, the nodes represent different regions, and the thickness of the lines represent the amount of money moving through the region.
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Education – Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information through different networks, such as a school or university.
Sankey Charts are a versatile tool for visualizing data and can be used for any type of network. They can be used to show the flow of data, relationships between different variables, and more. By using Sankey charts, you can get the best visual representation of your data and make informed decisions based on the information that you have.
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.
