Sankey charts are a powerful and visually compelling tool for analyzing data and communicating insights. These charts are particularly useful in navigating complex datasets and presenting numerical data in a clear and understandable way.
In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey charts and how they can be used to unlock the power of data analysis and visualization.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flow diagram that is used to visualize how data flows between different entities. This can be applied to a wide variety of industries, from healthcare to finance, allowing for a better understanding of how resources are allocated and utilized.
What Makes Sankey Charts Effective?
There are many reasons why Sankey charts are so effective as a data analysis tool. Firstly, they are a visual representation of data, making it easier to understand and visualize complex concepts. Secondly, they allow for the representation of both quantitative and qualitative data, which can be particularly useful for industries that require detailed analysis but also provide insights into broader patterns and trends. Finally, Sankey charts can be customized to create a sense of depth and flow, allowing for a deeper understanding of the data being analyzed.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves a few simple steps:
1. Identify the entities: Start by identifying the entities being analyzed, such as people, processes, or resources. These entities can be represented on the left hand side of the chart, usually along the X-axis.
2. Assign flows: Next, assign flows to each entity, indicating how the entity relates to the other entities and the amount of data flowing between them. For example, if a person has a responsibility to perform a task, the flow for that action would be directed towards the people who have the same responsibilities.
3. Connect entities: Finally, connect the entities in a way that reflects their relationships. This can be done by connecting the flow for an entity to the flow of the next entity, or by using line segments to represent the relationships between the entities.
4. Customize: Sankey charts can be customized to create a sense of depth and flow. This can involve adding layers to the chart, using color coding to differentiate flows of different types or using symbols to indicate the type of entity being analyzed.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a wide variety of scenarios, including research, project management, and finance. Here are just a few examples:
– Research: Sankey charts can be used to analyze complex data sets, such as genetic data, and identify patterns and trends.
– Project Management: Sankey charts can be used to track the flow of resources, such as human and material resources, within a project, and visualize how tasks are assigned and completed.
– Finance: Sankey charts can be used to analyze and visualize the flow of financial data, such as revenue and cost, across different departments or time periods.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful and effective tool for analyzing data and communicating insights. By creating a visual representation of complex data sets, Sankey charts can help to unlock the power of data analysis and visualization. Whether you are a researcher, project manager, or finance professional, Sankey charts can provide a useful tool for understanding and communicating your findings.

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