Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for exploring complex relationships between different data points. They allow you to easily see how different entities or variables are connected, and to identify patterns and trends that may not be visible with other types of charts. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some of the many applications of this powerful tool for data insights.
Sankey Chart Basics
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of material, energy, or information through a system. It is named after its creator, George Sankey, and was originally used to visualize the flow of sulfur dioxide through the air. Since then, it has been used in a wide range of applications, including environmental science, health and safety, and supply chain management.
The basic components of a Sankey chart include nodes and links. Nodes represent the entities or variables in the system, while links represent the flow of material, energy, or information between them. Each link has a weight that represents the magnitude of the flow, and the weight of each link can be adjusted to highlight different patterns or trends in the data.
Sankey chart creation can be done using a variety of software tools, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and SmartDraw. These tools allow you to create Sankey charts quickly and easily, with a wide range of customization options available to tailor the chart to your specific needs.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a valuable tool for data insights in a wide range of fields, including environmental science, health and safety, and supply chain management. Some of the specific applications of Sankey charts include:
- Environmental Science: Sankey charts are commonly used in environmental science to visualize the flow of pollutants through the air, water, or soil. This can help scientists identify sources of pollution and develop strategies to mitigate their impact.
- Health and Safety: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of dangerous chemicals or other hazardous materials through a facility or process. This can help identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts are useful for visualizing the flow of goods and services through a supply chain. This can help identify bottlenecks or other challenges in the chain, and inform strategies to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Financial Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds or other financial inputs and outputs within an organization. This can help identify areas where investment or restructuring may be beneficial.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful visual tool for exploring complex relationships between different data points. They are widely used in environmental science, health and safety, supply chain management, and other fields, and offer a valuable perspective on data insights. By understanding the basic concepts and applications of Sankey charts, data professionals can unlock their full potential and gain valuable insights into their data.
SankeyMaster
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