Sankey chart is a kind of network visualization tool that helps us to understand the flow of data or information within a network. They’re particularly useful for complex networks with many nodes and edges, and they can be used to visualize the flow of material, energy, information, or tasks among different entities or systems. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using Sankey charts and provide a comprehensive guide on how to create and use one effectively.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A sankey chart is a kind of network visualization that uses a single line to represent the flow of data or information, based on their physical or logical source and destination nodes. The sankey line segments form the edges of the graph, and the size of the line segments represents the amount of information flowing through them. In Sankey charts, nodes represent the “source” and “destination” points, and edges represent the relationships between these nodes.
The advantage of using a sankey chart for network visualization is that it provides a clear and direct way to understand the flow of information, energy, materials, or tasks in different system elements. The sankey chart allows for the inclusion of different kinds of data, such as numerical values, textual descriptions, or labels, as the data source and destination nodes.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in various fields, including engineering, economics, environmental science, and sociology. Here are some examples of the applications of sankey charts:
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Project management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, such as materials, personnel, or equipment, among different project elements such as a construction project, a software development project, and a manufacturing plant project. These chart types can help to identify bottlenecks and bottlenecks in the project workflow.
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Supply chain management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods and materials at different stages in the supply chain. For example, it can show the flow of materials between suppliers, producers, and distributors or retailers.
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Economic analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of investment, trade, and exchange between different countries and regions. These charts can help to understand the direction and amount of trade between different countries and identify areas of potential trade balance.
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Environmental science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the movement of pollutants and other chemicals as they flow through different ecosystems and environmental systems. For example, it can show the flow of chemicals between water bodies, ecosystems, and human settlements.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
To create an effective sankey chart, you’ll need to first define and label your nodes and edges. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a sankey chart:
Step 1: Choose the nodes
Decide on the entities that you want to represent in the sankey chart. Make sure that the nodes have distinct labels that can be clearly identified with different colors or shapes.
Step 2: Create the edges
Analyze the data and decide on the edges based on their type and direction. Use the data to define the sankey lines and edges.
Step 3: Add the data
Add the required data to the sankey chart. Use the data in the form of text, numerical values, or labels to help identify the flow of information. Ensure that the data is consistent and easy to read.
Step 4: Organize the chart
Position your node labels in a way that is easy to understand. Make sure that you have an accurate representation of connections between different system elements.
Step 5: Customize the chart
Based on your project specifications, customize the sankey chart to suit the needs of your project. Look for alternatives if your data is too complex and use additional data analysis tools if needed.
Conclusion
Sankey charts can be a powerful tool for understanding complex networks, especially in science and engineering applications. They provide a direct, clear and concise way to identify the flow of information or material through a network and help identify bottlenecks and potential gaps. By following the above instructions, creating a sankey chart can be an easy process that will help your project to run more smoothly. Therefore, it is essential to understand and employ this visualization tool to take advantage of the potential it offers.
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