Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization technique that can help you uncover the relationships and dependencies between different variables. These charts are widely used in disciplines such as engineering, biology, and economics to help users quickly understand the complex interaction between various components in a system.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of sankey charts and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a simple sankey chart. We will also discuss the various applications of sankey charts in different fields, including the life sciences, healthcare, finance, and engineering.
An Overview of Sankey Chart Concepts
A sankey chart is a circular chart that displays a series of data flows. It is commonly used to visualize the flow of resources between different entities, such as components in a manufacturing process, people in a workforce, or concepts in a scientific study. Sankey charts can also be used to visualize causal relationships, where the direction of the flow (from source to destination) indicates the direction of causality (the cause).
In a sankey chart, you can create different types of flows, such as supply, demand, and distribution. The direction and direction of each flow can be represented by different colors, shapes, or symbols.
There are a few key concepts in sankey charts that you should be aware of when creating them:
1. The “source” of the flow is the entity that feeds it.
2. The “destination” of the flow is the entity that consumes it.
3. Causal relationships (where the direction of the flow shows the causality) can be represented by arrows that point from the source to the destination.
4. Dependencies (where the direction of the flow indicates the dependency) can be represented by arrows that point from the destination to the source.
Using sankey charts for Data Visualization
Sankey charts can be used to visualize a wide range of data relationships. They are particularly useful for visualizing complex data flows, where different dimensions of the problem are interconnected in a non-linear manner.
For example, in a manufacturing process, you can use a sankey chart to visualize the flow of materials between different stages of production. Each circle represents a component that must be processed. The arrows connecting the circles represent the flow of materials between the different stages. The different colors can represent different quantities of the material, allowing you to quickly understand the total quantity of each material used.
sankey chart
When applying sankey charts for visualization, it is important to keep the information in the chart simple and straightforward. The chart should focus on the key relationships and dependencies, rather than delving too deep into the specifics of the data. It should also be visually appealing and easy to understand.
Sankey Charts in Engineering and Biomedical Applications
In fields like engineering and biology, sankey charts can be used to help visualize the flow of information or materials between different components. For example, in an engineering design, a sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of information and materials between different stages of the design process.
In the biomedical industry, sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of nutrients and chemicals between different cells and tissues. For example, a sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of oxygen between different cells in the lungs.
Overall, sankey charts can be a powerful tool for visualizing complex data flows and relationships in any field. By understanding the basics of sankey chart layout and applying them in various applications, you can gain a better understanding of the data at hand.
Conclusion:
In summary, a sankey chart is a powerful data visualization technique that can help you uncover the complex relationships between different variables. These charts are widely used in disciplines such as engineering, biology, and finance to help users quickly understand the complex interaction between various components in a system. Whether you are creating a sankey chart for research and development or applied sciences, the key to success is to keep the chart simple and straightforward, and to interpret the data carefully in relation to the problem you are trying to solve. By understanding the fundamentals of sankey charts and applying them in various applications, you can gain a better understanding of the data you are handling.

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