In the world of data analysis and visualization, Sankey charts are often used to represent complex network data in a clear and concise way. These charts are based on the concept of a flow diagram, which is a visual representation of the flow of information or resources through a network. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Sankey charts and explore the fascinating world of network data. We will also provide a visual guide on how to create and use Sankey charts in your own data analysis projects.
Introduction to Sankey Charts
A Sankey chart is a type of visual representation that is commonly used to display complex network data. It is a flow diagram that shows the flow of information or resources through a network. The chart is made up of various segments, called “nodes,” and a number of lines, called “sankey lines,” that connect these nodes.
Each node represents a different entity, such as a person, place, or organization, and the lines display the flow of information or resources between these entities. The flow can be shown as a positive flow, which means there is a flow of information or resources from one entity to another, or a negative flow, which means there is a flow of information or resources from another entity to the source entity.
There are several types of Sankey charts that can be used, including the traditional horizontal Sankey chart, which shows the flow of information from the top (input) to the bottom (output), the vertical Sankey chart, which shows the flow of information from the left (input) to the right (output), and the inverted Sankey chart, which shows the flow of information from the top (input) to the bottom (output) from the right (input) to the left (output).
Sankey Charts Applications
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications in many industries, including business, finance, healthcare, and transportation. They are useful in identifying patterns and trends in network data and can provide valuable insights into the flow of information or resources through a network. Here are some example applications of Sankey charts:

• Identifying key players and players in a network
• Identifying the sources and sinks of a network
• Identifying the impact of changes in network members on the flow of resources
• Identifying the flow of information between different regions or departments

Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is a relatively easy process, and there are several online resources and software tools available to help you create a Sankey chart.
To create a Sankey chart, you need to have a set of data that you want to represent in a network format. You can then use this data to create a Sankey chart using a software tool like Google Apples or Microsoft Power BI. You can also create a Sankey chart using a free online tool like ChartGenie or Tidy Pie.
Once you have your data, you can use it to create a Sankey chart. You will need to first choose the type of Sankey chart that you want to use, and then start adding nodes and lines to the chart. Each node will represent a different entity, such as a person, place, or organization, and each line will display the flow of information or resources between these entities.

• Line: Displaying positive flow between the source and the sink.

• Node (Circle): Displaying a person, place or organization.

  Creating a Sankey line using the software tool (e.g. Google Apples) will help you visually represent the flow of information or resources through your network. There are many tools available for creating and editing Sankey charts, so you can experiment with different tools and find the one that works best for you.
  Visualization with Sankey Charts
  Once you have created a Sankey chart, you can use it to visualize complex network data more easily. The lines and nodes in the chart can provide valuable insights into the flow of information or resources through your network. You can use the chart to identify key players, key players in the flow of information or resources and source and sinks of the network.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a useful tool for visualizing complex network data, and they are commonly used in many industries. By understanding the basics of Sankey charts and applying them in your own data analysis projects, you can gain valuable insights into the flow of information or resources through your network. Remember to choose the type of Sankey chart that is most suitable for your purpose, and to experiment with different tools and techniques to create visually appealing and informative Sankey charts.

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