Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing network data in a clean, intuitive, and easily-readable format. The charts combine flow lines with labels on their ends to represent the flow of data in a network. With this method, users can see how different flows (e.g., money, resources) flow into and out of a network, as well as the impact of each flow on the network as a whole.
In this article, we will explore the key features and uses of Sankey charts and how they can be used to transform data visualization. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks for creating and utilizing Sankey charts in your projects.
A Closer Look at Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a graphical representation of data flow between different entities within a network. The flow data are represented as flow lines connecting the nodes of the diagram, which are connected by directed edges representing direction. Edges are labeled with text strings describing the flow, and the location of these labels can be customized so that they align neatly with the flow lines.
One of the key features of Sankey charts is that they allow for the representation of complex data sets in a compact and clear form. This makes them particularly useful for displaying networks with a large number of nodes or edges, or where the data being presented is complex.
Sankey charts can be used to visualize a wide range of network data types, such as customer demand, supply chain, financial flows, air traffic flows, and more. They are also well-suited for visualizing networks where the data is in the form of a time-series, such as traffic in a city, population trends, or sales figures over time. Sankey charts also provide a clear way to illustrate the directionality of the flow, making it easier to analyze and understand the data.
Tips for Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart requires some basic knowledge of graph theory and network analysis. Here are some tips to help you create a visually appealing and effective Sankey chart:
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Keep your chart simple: A well-designed Sankey chart should allow for clear visual communication of the data. Keep the number of nodes and edges to a minimum and use clear and simple labels to label the lines.
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Use labels in the flow: Flow lines should be designed to accommodate labels without having to be drawn excessively. The labels should be placed in close proximity to the flow line, or within the line itself.
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Use legend: A legend should be added to your chart to help explain the different categories of flow data. In addition, it is a good idea to include a scale for the x-axis and y-axis of your visualization.
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Test your chart: It is important to test your Sankey chart before presenting it to the public. This allows you to see how the data flows in the chart, identify any errors or issues, and make necessary changes if necessary.
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Consider different scales: Your Sankey chart should be displayed to a visual range that represents the data with the data scale. This ensures that the chart is easy to understand and not overwhelming.
Effective Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts can be effectively used in various industries, such as finance, supply chain, logistics, retail, and healthcare. Here are some of the most common applications of Sankey charts:
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Supply Chain: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the supply chain by showing the direction of flows between different nodes, such as manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. This helps supply chain managers make informed decisions about inventory, communication, and flow optimization.
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Finance and Economics: Sankey charts are used in financial modeling and supply chain management to visualize the flow of data, such as financial transactions or product movements. They also help in assessing the impact of economic decisions on network flow directions.
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Logistics: Sankey charts can be used to highlight the flow on different parts of the supply chain, such as the transportation routes, warehouses, and product movement. This helps logistics managers understand the movement of goods and plan efficiently for the flow.
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Healthcare: Sankey charts have been used to visualize patient flows, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The charts help healthcare professionals understand how patients navigate through health care systems, and thus make better-informed decisions.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a valuable tool for visualizing complex network data. With their ability to easily understand large datasets and their intuitive visual representation, they are well-suited for industries ranging from finance and economics to healthcare, logistics, and supply chain management. By utilizing Sankey charts, you can create clear and effective visualizations that allow you to make informed decisions and understand complex network data.
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