Introduction
A Sankey chart is a layout and information visualization method that is commonly used in business and engineering fields. It is an ideal tool for mapping out networks and illustrating the flow of information between different entities or systems. This article will explore the power of Sankey charts and how they can help businesses and organizations in their communication process.
The History of Sankey Chart
Before we dive into the practical applications of Sankey charts, let’s delve into how the concept of them came about. The term “sankey” is a combination of the words “skeleton” and “arrow”, and it’s believed that the first Sankey chart was created by a Scottish geologist named John Cockerill in the early 1900s. Cockerill was interested in creating a method for drawing information flow in a simpler and more visually appealing manner than standard bar charts. The technique was later developed by others, and it has since become a widely used and effective tool for visualizing information flow.
Types of Sankey Charts
There are three main types of Sankey charts: horizontal, vertical, and double-sided. Horizontal Sankey charts show the flow of information from one source to another entity. Vertical Sankey charts show the flow of information from a single entity to other entities. And double-sided Sankey charts show the flow of information from multiple sources to multiple destinations.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a flexible and effective tool for mapping out networks and illustrating the flow of information between different elements. They can be used in a range of industries and applications, including:
- Business and Finance: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of financial transactions between different entities, such as corporations, banks, and individuals.
- Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information between different healthcare professionals and facilities, such as doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
- Education: Sankey charts can be used to illustrate the flow of information between different educational institutions, such as schools, libraries, and universities.
- Engineering: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information between different components of a technical system, such as pipes, vessels, and machines.
- Nonprofit organizations: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information between different functions within a nonprofit organization, such as fundraising, operations, and programming.
Sankey Chart Creation and Applications
Creating a Sankey chart requires the use of software or interactive online tools, depending on the complexity of the information being represented. With software, the user can input data about the flow of information, and the software will create a visual representation of it on an interactive map. With online tools, the user can also input data, and the web-based tool will create a graphical representation of the flow of information in real-time. The user can then export the chart as a PDF or other format for further analysis and implementation.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible tool for visualizing the flow of information between different entities or systems. Whether used for business or finance, healthcare, education, engineering, or nonprofit organizations, Sankey charts can provide valuable insights into the operations and processes of an organization. With a little bit of creativity and expertise, Sankey charts can be a powerful tool for solving complex problems and making data-driven decisions.
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.
