Sankey Charts: A Guide to Exploring Network Data with Interactive Graphs
The power of Sankey charts to unlock insights from complex networks has become increasingly evident in the realm of data analysis. Sankey charts offer a simple way to visualize the flow of information or resources in a network while highlighting the key influencers and actors that drive the data chain. This article will explore the basics of Sankey charts and applications in exploring network data using interactive graphs.

What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of network diagram that uses a series of lines to depict the flow of data or resources from one entity or actor to another within a network. Each line segment represents the flow of data or resources, with the height of each line showing the flow rate, and the width of each line showing the volume of the flow.
Sankey charts are especially useful for visualizing social network data or any system where information is passed from one component to another. They are especially useful for visualizing complex systems where resources or data flow is critical to understanding the system behavior. They can help us identify the key influencers and key resources that drive the system and make predictions of the future behavior.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be applied in various fields such as sociology, economics, ecology, engineering, and network analysis. Some of the most common applications include:

1. Social Network Analysis:
   Sankey charts can be used to visualize social network information such as friends, followers, or followers of followers. They can help us understand the relationships between individuals or groups within the network, such as the influence of key actors or the flow of information.

2. Network Engineering:
   Sankey charts can help us understand the flow of data or resources within a complex engineering system. They can visualize the resources used by different components or actors within the system and highlight the key influencers and resources that drive the system.

3. Biomedical Research:
   Sankey charts can visualize the flow of chemical compounds or drugs within a biological system. They can help scientists understand the movement of drug molecules in the body and how drug interactions affect the system.

4. Ecological Analysis:
   Sankey charts can help scientists analyze ecological systems such as population dynamics or food webs. They can visualize the flow of trophic energy or the flow of nutrients and identify the key influencers and resources that drive ecosystem dynamics.

Creating Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be created using software applications that allow users to create, edit and visualize Sankey charts. A popular software is the ‘Sankey Pro’ available for Linux platform by ‘Open Science’ Inc. The software is open source and can be downloaded for free. The Sankey chart creation process is straightforward and can be achieved by the following steps:

1. Define the network data that needs to be visualized
2. Create a Sankey Diagram by drawing lines that represent the data and specify the flow direction
3. Customize the Sankey chart by changing the height and width of the lines to represent the flow rates and volumes of data

Sankey charts offer a powerful way to visualize and analyze complex networks. They can help scientists better understand the flow of information and resources within the system, and identify the key actors and resources that drive the data chain. With Sankey charts, researchers and scientists can explore network data in new and insightful ways using interactive graphs that can aid in decision-making, prediction, and scientific discovery.

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.