Unraveling Data Flows: The Comprehensive Guide to Creating and Interpreating Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that illustrate the interconnectedness of data across different categories. By visualizing these flows and connections between different sets of data, one can gain a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the dynamics at play. This guide aims to provide detailed insights into creating and interpreting sankey charts. Starting from the basics, one will delve into the design, creation, and interpretation of sankey charts that can be effectively used across various fields.
The Process of Creating Sankey Charts
Creating sankey charts begins with selecting the right data types, especially those that represent flows or transitions between different categories. Sankey charts are particularly applicable to datasets that involve movement, such as material flow in manufacturing, currency exchanges in finance, or information transfer in computer networking.
Step 1 – Identify the Flows and Categories
Determine the source, target, and intermediate categories. Each category should be connected to show the flow of the data.
Step 2 – Define the Starting Data
Begin with a dataset that details how the flow occurs. It should represent the quantities moving from one entity to another.
Step 3 – Arrange Data into Zones
Divide the starting data into two zones or streams: sources (with negative output) and sinks (with positive output).
Step 4 – Visualize the Connections
Each connection, or ‘link’, between nodes (sources and sinks) is represented by a node stream, with the width of the link reflecting the size of the flow.
Step 5 – Design and Layout
Design the chart layout considering the data’s complexity and the intended audience, ensuring the visualization is easy to understand. Use colors and labels to clarify connections and aid in discerning different flows.
Step 6 – Update and Refine
Sankey charts should be iterated upon and refined to enhance clarity and readability. Testing the chart with peers can provide valuable feedback for improvement.
Interpreting Sankey Charts
Interpreting sankey charts involves focusing on the chart’s visual elements to understand the dynamics of data flow.
Identifying Primary Flows
Follow the major connections to understand the primary flows of data or movement. These are typically represented by the widest node streams and are of significant importance.
Analyzing Flows and Trends
Examine how the sizes of the node streams vary, and relate them to different data categories. This analysis uncovers trends, such as growth or decline in flows between categories, which can be valuable insights.
Examining Intermediary Flows
Look for patterns of data transitions between intermediary nodes. These can indicate complex flows or filtering effects that might not be easily perceived otherwise.
Making Decisions
The insights gathered from interpreting sankey charts can inform business decisions, identify inefficiencies, or optimize processes in various fields.
Sankey charts are an incredibly effective tool for visualizing complex flow data, making them invaluable across fields such as economics, environmental studies, and healthcare management. By creating and interpreting these diagrams thoughtfully, one can gain profound insights into the relational dynamics of data, leading to better-informed actions and innovations.
