Introduction:
Sankey charts are a visualization technique that shows the flow and distribution of data between categories. They are named after William Sankey, an engineer who first used this method in the late 19th century to illustrate the energy flows in power plants. In this article, we’ll explore the creation of Sankey charts and their various applications, highlighting how this visualization method can be used to “unleash the power of flow” in understanding complex data sets.
Creating a Sankey Chart:
Creating a Sankey chart may seem daunting at first, but it is actually quite simple with the right tools and techniques. Here are the basic steps to create a Sankey chart using a tool such as Tableau or Plotly:
- Gather your data: The first step to creating a Sankey chart is to gather your data. Your data will include categories or groups that you want to show the flow between. It should be in a format that includes both the source and destination categories for each flow.
- Prepare your data: Once you have your data, you’ll need to prepare it for the Sankey chart. This involves transforming your data into a format that can be easily visualized using a tool like Excel or Google Sheets.
- Create the chart: With your data prepared, you can now create the Sankey chart. Start by selecting the ‘Sankey’ chart type in the options menu. Then, choose the source and destination categories from your prepared data.
- Customize the chart: Finally, you can customize the Sankey chart to suit your needs. This involves choosing colors, adjusting the layout, and adding labels to the nodes and links.
Applications of Sankey Charts:
Sankey charts are a versatile visualization technique that can be used in a variety of applications. Here are a few ways in which Sankey charts are used to “unleash the power of flow”:
- Energy Flow: As mentioned earlier, Sankey charts were originally developed to illustrate the flow of energy in power plants. They are still widely used in this industry to visualize energy consumption, distribution, and efficiency.
- Data Flow: Sankey charts can also be used to visualize data flow in a system. For example, they can be used to show the flow of customer data between different departments or services.
- Network Flow: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of traffic or people through a network, such as a transportation system or a social network.
Benefits of Sankey Charts:
While there are numerous ways in which Sankey charts can be used, they offer several key benefits:
- Easy to understand: Sankey charts are easy to understand, even for those who are not familiar with advanced data visualization techniques.
- Detailed information: Sankey charts provide detailed information on the flow between different categories, allowing users to identify areas of high or low flow and understand the distribution of data.
- Eye-catching: Sankey charts are visually appealing, making them an effective tool for communication and presentations.
Conclusion:
Sankey charts are a powerful visualization technique that can be used to “unleash the power of flow” in understanding complex data sets. By following the basic steps to create a Sankey chart and taking advantage of its various applications, you can gain valuable insights that may have otherwise been difficult to see. With the use of appropriate tools, Sankey charts are a valuable addition to any data visualization toolkit.
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.
