Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that can help you visualize complex flows, networks, and relationships. First developed in the mid-1800s by Captain Henry Perigal, a British naval engineer, they’ve been used in a wide range of applications since. From understanding the movement of air and water to tracking information flow in complex systems, Sankey charts have stood the test of time.
What Are Sankey Charts?
A Sankey diagram is a type of flow diagram that uses arrows (also known as bands or flows) with variable widths, where the width represents the flow volume, quantity, or weight over a given time period. This allows for a vivid display of interconnections and relationships between different nodes in a flow network.
Key Features of Sankey Charts
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Variable Widths: The width of the bands in a Sankey chart directly correlates with the amount of data being conveyed. This makes it immediately apparent what flows are significant and which are minor, at a glance.
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Flow Direction: Flow directions can be shown easily through the way bands cross or flow into and out of a node, making it simple to visualize both sources and destinations in data flow networks.
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Clarity of Relationships: Sankey charts make it easy to see how data or information moves between nodes, allowing for clear visual identification of pathways and interdependencies.
Creation of Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves a few key steps:
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Data Aggregation: Gather the data that you wish to represent in the chart. This should include the source node, destination node, and the flow volume between them.
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Choosing the Right Software: You can choose from a variety of tools for creating Sankey diagrams. Popular software includes Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and specialized data visualization tools like SigmaPlot, Gephi, and Sankeyviz.js for web-based applications.
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Configuring the Chart: Once the tool is set, you will need to input your data according to the chart’s configuration requirements. This typically includes selecting how to represent variables such as node names, edge names, and flow quantities.
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Customizing the Design: This step allows for personal touch to the chart with color schemes, orientation, and layout customization to enhance clarity and make the chart visually appealing.
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Reviewing and Adjusting: Check the chart for any misalignments or unclear data representation. Adjustments to node or flow colors, clarity of labels, and orientation can be made to improve the readability and aesthetics.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts find application in a variety of fields where understanding flows is crucial:
- Environmental Science: To show the movement of pollutants, nutrients, or energy within ecosystems.
- Sustainable Energy: For analyzing energy production, consumption, or distribution for renewable resources.
- Economics: Understanding trade flows between countries, employment sectors, or industry supply chains.
- Healthcare: Visualizing blood flow in anatomy, patient flow through hospital systems, or the spread of diseases.
- Internet Usage: To map the flow of data packets in network traffic or user navigation patterns on websites.
Conclusion
By leveraging the power of Sankey charts, you can transform complex data flow into an easily comprehensible visual narrative. This not only aids in quickly identifying crucial points of interest but also provides deeper insights into the interactions, hierarchies, and relationships within the data. Whether you’re analyzing financial transactions, modeling environmental flows, or designing more user-friendly interfaces, Sankey diagrams offer a robust, visual solution that enhances understanding and decision-making.
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.
