Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex networks of relationships and interactions between different elements. These charts allow you to easily create graphs that show how each component in a network is interconnected with the rest, as well as how the overall flow or circulation of certain values or quantities.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide to creating Sankey charts, along with some applications and uses for these charts. We’ll also look at how to interpret them, and how to customize them to best suit your needs.
Key Terms:

• Sankey chart
• Flow chart
• Network analysis
• Flow indicators
• Network representation

Creating a Sankey Chart:
To create a Sankey chart, you’ll need a few simple steps and pieces of information. In the following section, we’ll go through the process of creating a sankey chart from scratch.

Step 1: Gather data and insights
– Start by collecting data on the relationships and interactions within your network. This could include information about who is interacting with whom, how frequently, whether there is a flow, and so on.
– For the purposes of the sankey chart, a network is composed of nodes and links represented by arrows.
– For a flow indicator, this could be a metric like the number of interactions, the amount of interaction between nodes, or even the flow of resources.
Step 2: Select nodes and links
– Use the data you gathered to select nodes and links. This could include everything from a person node to an entity node. Once you have the nodes, you’ll assign arrows to the links representing the flow of data.
Step 3: Create the chart
– Select the nodes and arrows and plot them on your chart. For example, use a diagonal axis for the nodes and a vertical axis for the links. You can adjust the size, color, and style of the arrows to highlight certain flow indicators.
Step 4: Customize and customize
– Once your chart is complete, use customizations to make it more visually engaging and easier to understand. This could include scaling or changing the color schemes, using hover effects for nodes, or even using different types of arrows or lines.
Step 5: Interpreting the chart
– After you’ve created a sankey chart, it’s time to begin interpreting it. Look for clusters of arrows that represent similar or repeated flows or interactions. Use colors, arrows, or other visual cues to highlight certain sections of the chart.
Using Sankey Charts for Network Analysis:
Sankey charts provide a visual representation of complex network analysis, allowing users to better understand and analyze the relationships within a network. These charts can be used in various fields, such as finance, economics, engineering, biology, and more.
For example, in supply chain management, they can be used to visualize how different suppliers interact with each other, how items flow through the supply chain, and what inventory levels are needed.
In healthcare, they can be used to visualize how various patients interact with the healthcare system, or to understand the distribution of hospital resources.
In the context of social or economic networks, they can also be used to visualize the economic or social impact of certain events or policy changes.
Applications and Considerations
There are several applications and considerations to bear in mind when using sankey charts:

• It’s important to consider who is involved in the network analysis and what insights they are looking for.
• The size of the network (number of nodes and links) and the level of detail required can also impact the effectiveness of the chart.
• Sankey charts require an appropriate balance of detail and clarity. Too much detail can make the chart overwhelming, while too little can leave important information out.
  Conclusion:
  Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex networks and relationships within them. With a little practice and customization, anyone can create a meaningful sankey chart for their specific needs. By understanding the key techniques and considerations involved in creating and interpreting a sankey chart, you can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of your network and its relationships.

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