Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that is particularly effective at displaying relationships between different types of data. They are used in fields such as economics, environmental science, and public health to show how various factors are interconnected and how changes in one can affect others.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a Sankey chart is, how to create one, and some of the applications of this type of data visualization. We’ll also touch on some of the reasons why using Sankey charts can be particularly useful in certain contexts.
What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of data visualization that is particularly suited to displaying relationships between different types of data. It is named after its originator, American economist and political economist, James Sankey.

A Sankey chart consists of three main elements:

1. Nodes: These are the ‘source’ nodes, which represent the starting point of a relationship. These nodes often have arrows pointing away from them, indicating the direction of the relationship.
2. Arcs: These are the lines connecting different nodes. They represent the flow of data or information between the source and destination nodes.
3. Labels: These are inserted at nodes and arcs to provide more information about the data being displayed. For example, the label on an arc could indicate the direction of the flow, or the source and destination of the data.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts have a wide range of applications, and they are particularly useful in fields like economics, public health, and environmental science. Some of the ways in which they can be used include:

1. Visualizing industry clusters: A Sankey chart can be used to show the relationships between different industries, and how they are interconnected. This can be useful for understanding how different industries impact each other and for identifying areas where there may be potential for growth.
2. Identifying flow networks: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of information or data between different sources and destinations. This can be useful for understanding how data is stored or distributed within an organization or within a city or region.
3. Investigating causality: Sankey charts can be used to investigate the relationships between different variables. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to explore the relationships between different factors that contribute to the spread of a disease, or the interrelationships between different economic policies in a country.
4. Exploring supply chain networks: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the relationships between different supply chains and how they are connected. This can be useful for understanding how different components of a supply chain are connected and how disruptions in one part of the chain can affect other parts.

Creating a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Determine the data that you want to visualize: You’ll need to decide which data to use, and how it should be visualized.
2. Create a node for each data source: Choose a distinct color for each source and make sure it is distinguishable from the others.
3. Create an arc between each source and destination: Draw a line connecting each source to its corresponding destination, and label it with the appropriate data.
4. Add labels if necessary: If you want to add more information about the data being displayed, you can add labels to the nodes and arcs.
5. Adjust the layout as needed: Visualize things so that the flow of data is clear, but also make sure the chart is not cluttered or overly complicated.
6. Interpret the results: Use the information provided by the Sankey chart to interpret and analyze the data.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing relationships between different types of data. By creating and interpreting Sankey charts, you can gain valuable insights into the interconnections between different factors and how they can impact each other. Whether you’re working in the field of finance, public health, or environmental science, Sankey charts can be an effective tool for illustrating complex relationships and helping you make informed decisions.

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