Sankey charts (also known as flow charts) are a type of diagram that use shape to represent the flow of data between different entities. They are particularly useful for visualizing complex data sets and providing insights into the relationships between different variables. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and discuss a variety of applications for these powerful visualization tools.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flow chart that shows the flow of data or material between different entities. These charts are named after the Irish mathematician and physicist, Rudolph Sankey, who introduced the concept in the late 19th century. Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the relationships between different variables and can be used to identify patterns, trends, and causal links.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

There are several tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Visio, Excel, and Graflow. SankeyCharts.com is also a great resource for creating and customizing Sankey charts online. When creating a Sankey chart, you will need to:

1. Define the source and sink entities of the chart.
2. Identify the flow variables for each entity.
3. Draw the flow lines to connect the source and sink entities and the flow variables.
4. Customize the chart with colors, labels, and other visual elements.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are versatile and can be used in a variety of industries and disciplines to visualize complex data sets. Some common applications include:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts are useful for visualizing the flow of materials and information throughout a supply chain, from suppliers to customers. They can be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and track the movement of goods and services over time.
2. Economic analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of income and wealth between different individuals or sectors of the economy. They can be used to identify patterns and trends, and to test hypotheses about causal relationships.
3. Environmental science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and energy between different ecosystem components, such as plants, animals, and humans. They can be used to identify threats to the environment and to test hypotheses about the impacts of human activities on the natural world.
4. Marketing research: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of customers and marketing messages between different stages of the customer lifecycle. They can be used to identify customer preferences, trends, and buying habits.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible visualization tool that can be used in a variety of settings to explore and understand complex data sets. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional, learning how to create and interpret Sankey charts can provide valuable insights and new perspectives on your data.

SankeyMaster

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