Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flow and can quickly reveal complex relationships between different variables. While they are not as commonly used as line charts or pie charts, they are highly effective for any data visualization needs where showing the direction and flow of data sets is critical.
In this article, we will explore the basics of creating and understanding Sankey charts and provide several insights into how to unlock their hidden capabilities to uncover new insights and reveal complex trends.
Understanding the basics of Sankey charts
A Sankey chart consists of three main components: nodes, links, and paths. Nodes represent the data elements that are being tracked, while links represent the direction and flow of data between those nodes. Through these diagrams, we can see where one element is dependent on another, which relationships exist between quantities of data, and which factors contribute to particular outcomes.
Sankey charts are typically used in social, economic, and natural science disciplines, to analyze data flow through complex interactions between different variables. They can be used to identify critical influencers and trends, track changes in data sets over time, and identify patterns and correlations.
The elements, such as arrows and labels, and the overall interpretation of the chart, can provide a complete understanding of the data flow and key points.
Steps to follow when creating your first Sankey chart
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Define the data sets you want to visualize. Determine the elements that will represent the variables of interest, such as departments or locations for a business, or different species in a wildlife study.
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Choose a layout that best suits your data. A radial layout is often preferred as it is easy to read data flow. Other layouts can also be used depending on the data, such as a circular or radial tree.
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Choose labels for each data element, which will give context to the relationship between the nodes and links.
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Choose link labels to visually represent the direction and strength of the flow between nodes. A horizontal line or bar can be used to represent the magnitude of flow, while the arrow will identify the direction.
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Place the nodes at their appropriate locations and orient them correctly. A good rule of thumb is to place the nodes along a vertical or horizontal axis, depending on the direction of data flow.
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Add links and arrows according to the direction and strength of the flow. Ensure that the length of the arrows is proportional to the strength of the flow.
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Create a legend for the labels and arrows, which will allow users to interpret the flow and direction of data.
Interpreting the results of a Sankey chart
Once a Sankey chart has been created, the insights and data are hidden. Here are some general ways to unlock the hidden insights:
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Understand the direction of a flow. If the flow goes from the top left to the bottom right, then it is likely that the two nodes are strongly dependent. This can identify the most critical influencers or the key drivers of the data set.
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Identify relationships between quantities. By looking at the different paths that flow into a node, you can identify the relationships between different variables. This can help to uncover insights about the underlying data flow.
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Determine trends or patterns. Look for repeating patterns or trends in the data flow. This can help you to identify the key drivers or drivers of a particular set of results.
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Make adjustments to the layout or data. Sometimes, the layout of the Sankey chart is the key to understanding key points. This might require an adjustment to the data, or even a redesign of the layout.
In conclusion, a Sankey chart is an excellent tool to visualize data flow and reveal hidden insights. By understanding how to create and visualize Sankey charts, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful visualization.
SankeyMaster
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