Sankey charts are a powerful tool for representing flows and processes in a visually intuitive way. By using a network of nodes and arrows, Sankey charts can help us understand complex data relationships and patterns, making them a valuable asset for a wide range of fields and industries. In this article, we will delve into the world of Sankey chart creation and explore some stunning examples of visualization in action.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flow diagram that uses arrows to represent the movement of data, resources or people from one location to another. The width of the arrows is proportional to the amount of flow between the two points, making it easy to see where the most significant flows are occurring. Sankey charts are often used in economics, engineering, and urban planning to represent processes such as energy consumption, water usage, or transportation networks.
Creating a Sankey chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, including defining the flow data, creating the nodes, and adding the arrows. Here are the steps involved in creating a simple Sankey chart:
Step 1: Define the flow data. In this step, you need to identify the different data points that you want to visualize. This could be anything from the amount of electricity generated by different sources to the number of passengers on different routes in a transportation network.
Step 2: Create the nodes. Nodes are the points in the chart where the data flows in or out. They can be represented as circles or squares and should be labeled with a descriptive name.
Step 3: Add the arrows. Arrows represent the flow between the nodes, and their width should be proportional to the amount of flow. You can also add labels to the arrows to show the direction and amount of flow.
Step 4: Customize the chart. Once your Sankey chart is complete, you can customize it to make it visually appealing. This could include adjusting the color scheme, adding background images, or adding annotations to the chart.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications across different industries. Here are some examples of how Sankey charts are used in practice:
Project management: Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of tasks and resources in a project. For example, an IT project manager might use a Sankey chart to represent the flow of data between different teams and departments.
Urban planning: Sankey charts can be used to visualize complex transportation networks and help city planners identify areas for improvement. For example, a transportation engineer might use a Sankey chart to represent the flow of traffic between different parts of the city and to identify areas with high congestion levels.
Energy management: Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of energy between different sources and destinations. For example, an energy company might use a Sankey chart to represent the flow of electricity between different power plants and distribution centers.
Uses of Sankey Charts in Business Analytics:
Businesses use Sankey charts to visualize and analyze a wide range of data, such as sales by category, customer journey maps, and financial flows.
Sales by Category:
Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of sales by category. This can help businesses identify trends in their sales, such as which categories are growing or declining. It can also help businesses allocate resources to the most profitable categories.
Customer Journey Maps:
Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of customers through a business process. This can help businesses identify points in the process where customers are dropping off, which can help them optimize their customer experience.
Financial Flows:
Sankey charts can be used to represent the flow of financial data, such as cash in and out, or expenses by category. This can help businesses identify areas where they can reduce costs or improve efficiency.
Conclusion:
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data relationships in a clear and intuitive way. Whether you’re a project manager, urban planner, energy manager, or business analyst, Sankey charts can help you make sense of your data and make better decisions. By following the steps outlined in this article and exploring the examples provided, you can create stunning Sankey chart visualizations that will leave a lasting impact on your audience.
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.
