Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding data flow and transitivity. They have been used in a wide range of applications, from environmental science to financial analysis. In this article, we’ll explore how to create Sankey charts and the many ways they can be used to help us better understand our data.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are named after their creator, Dr. Charles Sankey, who was a British engineer and statistician. He developed the chart in the early 20th century as a way to visualize the flow of materials or information between different entities. Sankey charts are particularly useful for showing the direction and magnitude of these flows, as well as identifying any bottlenecks or intersections.

How to Create Sankey Charts

There are two main ways to create Sankey charts: using a spreadsheet program or a specialized software tool called AnyLogic.

Using a Spreadsheet Program

If you prefer to create Sankey charts using a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, you can use a combination of formulas and visualizations to achieve this. One common approach is to use the “tables” function to create a table of data, then use the “hierarchy chart” function to visualize the flow between different entities. Here’s an example:

1. Create a new spreadsheet and add a table of data with the entities and their corresponding values.
2. Use the “hierarchy chart” function to create a hierarchical chart of the data, with the entities at the top level.
3. Use formulas to calculate the flow between each pair of entities, based on the values in the table.
4. Adjust the chart settings, such as colors and labels, to customize the visualization to your needs.

Using AnyLogic

If you prefer to use a specialized software tool for creating Sankey charts, such as AnyLogic, you can use its built-in features to create a visual representation of the data flow. Here’s an example:

1. Open AnyLogic and create a new model.
2. Add entities to the model, along with data on their attributes and interactions.
3. Use AnyLogic’s flowchart editor to define the flow of data between the entities, including conditions and triggers.
4. Use AnyLogic’s visualization tools to create a Sankey chart of the flow, with direction and magnitude labels on the arrows.
5. Adjust the chart settings and options to customize the visualization to your needs.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are widely used in a variety of fields, including environmental science, financial analysis, and supply chain management. Here are some examples of how they can be used:

1. Environmental Science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of pollutants between different sources, such as工厂、industries or vehicles. This can help identify areas where pollution is most concentrated, and inform actions to reduce emissions.
2. Financial Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of funds between different accounts or regions, such as investments, loans, or transfers. This can help identify potential areas of financial risk or opportunity.
3. Supply Chain Management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods or services between different stages of production or distribution. This can help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and inform strategies for improving supply chain efficiency.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding data flow and transitivity. With their easy-to-use spreadsheet and software program options, they can be applied to a wide range of fields and applications. Whether you’re analyzing environmental pollutants, tracking financial transactions, or optimizing supply chain management, Sankey charts can help you gain a deeper understanding of your data.

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