A Sankey chart is a powerful visualization tool used to display complex relationship networks between different entities, including flow and storage. They are often used in fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and social sciences to show the flow of information, materials, energy, and finances between different sources and destinations. In this article, we will explore how to create and apply Sankey charts to unlock the secrets of actionable insights.
1. What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a graphical representation of a network flow, where a specific item (a node) or a set of items (a link) flows between two or more nodes (source and destination) or between multiple sets of nodes. Each link in the chart represents a flow, which can be either the flow of goods, information or the flow of energy. The chart can also include diagrams of diagrams, where the data can be further visualized using additional diagrams or tables.
2. Types of Sankey Charts
There are two main types of Sankey charts:
– Multi-Linked Sankey Chart: This type of chart shows multiple flows between different nodes.
– Linked Single-Linked Sankey Chart: This type of chart shows a flow between a single source and one source or one destination.
3. Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of fields to represent complex data and provide useful insights. Some potential applications of Sankey charts include:

1. Network analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze complex networks, such as those found in social or business networks, to identify patterns and insights.
2. Flow analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of resources, such as energy, materials, or information, between different sources and destinations.
3. Supply chain analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials and information between different stages of a supply chain.
4. Economic analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of economic resources, such as investment and consumption, between different regions or countries.

5. Disaster response: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources and personnel in a disaster response operation.

   4. Creating Sankey Charts
      Creating a Sankey chart involves selecting a series of nodes and links, assigning values to the nodes and links, and creating the graphical representation of the network. The following steps will help you create a Sankey chart:
6. Choose a dataset: Select a dataset that you want to visualize using a Sankey chart. For example, a dataset that shows the flow of goods or information between different nodes in a supply chain.
7. Choose a software: Choose a software tool that can create Sankey charts. Options include spreadsheets such as Google Sheets or MS Excel, and software such as Tableau or SPSS.
8. Choose the design: Choose the design you want for your Sankey chart. There are many design options available, such as line colors, line width, and node and link color.

9. Create the chart: Use the software tool to select a node and link for each item in your dataset, and assign values as you wish. Finally, use the design options to create the overall layout of the Sankey chart.

   5. Analyzing Sankey Charts
      Once you have created a Sankey chart, you can analyze it to gain insight into the network under investigation. Some potential analysis metrics include:

10. Network density: Determine the density of the flow network by dividing the total flow by the total number of connections.

11. Average node flow: Determine the average flow of each node in the network by dividing the total flow by the number of links connecting to that node.
12. Average link flow: Determine the average flow of each link in the network by dividing the total flow by the number of nodes connected by that link.
13. Network saturation: Determine the saturation level of a link in the network by calculating the link flow divided by the link flow capacity.
14. Network complexity: Determine the complexity of a network by calculating the number of source nodes, the number of destinations, and the number of links in the network.

With the insights gained from analyzing your Sankey chart, you can use this information to make informed decisions about your network or dataset, such as optimizing supply chain flows or managing flow resources in a disaster situation.

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.