Sankey charts are a visual representation of data in a network, which can be particularly useful for understanding complex relationships between various entities in a system. By visualizing the direction and amount of flow between different entities, data can be easily understood and processed. In this article, we’ll provide an introduction to using sankey charts and provide useful applications for understanding complex networks.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of diagram commonly used to show the flow of data in a network. They were first introduced in the 1950s by Sir Harold Jeffreys, a mathematician and philosopher of science. Essentially, a sankey chart consists of a series of linked circles, each representing a different entity. The flow of data (or “flowlines”) between circles is shown by the thickness of the lines connecting them. The direction of the flowline indicates which entity is sending data and the direction of the flowline indicates the amount of data being sent.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be applied in a wide range of fields, including business, science, and social sciences. Here are some common uses of sankey charts:
– Network analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of data in a network, such as the flow of information in a web of online information resources. This can help researchers and organizations better understand the dynamics of their networks and identify key actors or activities.
– Political science: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of information and influence in a political environment, such as the flow of money and ideas between political actors. This can help policymakers and strategists understand who is directing the flow of resources and how.
– Social network analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of information and influence in a social network, such as the flow of messages between friends or between actors in a community. This can help organizations and communities understand their networks and identify key actors or activities.
Sankey charts can also be used to visualize the flow of data in other types of networks, such as traffic networks or supply chains. By visualizing the flow of data in these networks, organizations and individuals can better understand the interactions and dynamics underlying the flow of information and resources.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a sankey chart involves a few key steps:
1. Choose your axis: Select categories or entities to represent based on the information you want to visualize.
2. Determine the number of flows: Decide how many flows you want to include in your chart.
3. Choose your orientation: Decide whether you want the flows to flow from the bottom to the top or from the top to the bottom of the chart.
4. Choose the thickness: Determine how much space each flow should take up in the chart.
5. Mark the flowlines: Add lines representing the flow between entities. If you’re unsure about the direction or the amount of flow, you can choose random values instead.
Overall, creating a sankey chart involves selecting and visualizing the flow lines for a network. The key steps for creating a sankey chart include choosing the axis, number of flows, how to orient the charts, how much space each flow should take up, and how to illustrate the direction and amount of flow. By visualizing the flow of data in a sankey chart, you can gain a deeper understanding of relationships between entities in complex networks.

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