Sankey charts are used to visualize the flow of data through a network, which can be useful when analyzing complex relationships between two or more variables. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of crafting a sankey chart, the principles behind creating effective sankey charts, and how they can be applied in various fields, such as business, finance, and social sciences.
A Sankey Chart is a two-dimensional graph that represents the direction and amount of flow in a network. It consists of two sets of line segments: the source (or “input”) and the destination (or “output”) of the flow. The flow is represented on the y-axis, and the segments represent the amount of flow. Source flow from the input end and sink flow into the output end.
Creating an effective sankey chart requires several steps, including:
1. Defining the relationships in the network. This involves determining which variables are linked and what their relationship is.
2. Identifying the source end, which represents where the flow starts. In the sample sankey chart below, the source end is labeled as “Input,” and is connected to all the variables in the chart.
3. Identifying the sink end, which represents where the flow ends. In the sample sankey chart below, the sink end is labeled as “Output,” and is connected to all the variables in the chart in reverse order of their direction of flow.
4. Determining the direction of flow. Flow is represented on the y-axis of the chart, with a positive direction showing flow from the input to output, and a negative direction showing flow from the output to input.
5. Determining the amount of flow. The amount of flow is represented on the x-axis of the chart, with a longer segment representing more flow.
Now that we’ve established the foundational principles of a sankey chart, let’s discuss how it can be applied in various fields, such as business, finance, and social sciences.
In the business world, sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information through a company’s operations. For example, a sankey chart could be used to represent the flow of information between sales and marketing, or products and inventory. This can help organizations identify bottlenecks in their processes and improve efficiency.
In the finance world, sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of capital through a company’s operations. For example, a sankey chart could be used to represent the flow of cash between different departments, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable. This can help organizations optimize their cash flow management and improve their bottom line.
In the social sciences, sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of ideas or emotions through a network of individuals or groups. For example, a sankey chart could be used to represent the flow of ideas between researchers and the public, or the flow of emotion between friends and family. This can help organizations identify patterns and trends in social media behavior and improve their marketing strategies.
In conclusion, sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex network relationships. By understanding the fundamentals of sankey chart creation and the principles behind effective visualization, organizations can gain valuable insights from data, make more informed decisions, and improve their performance.
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.
