Sankey diagrams, also known as flow diagrams, are a type of visual representation of complex data in a way that is both easy to understand and visually appealing. However, creating and understanding Sankey charts can be challenging for many people, especially those who are not familiar with the concept. In this article, we will dive into the basics of Sankey charts and explore how to create and apply them effectively.

What Are Sankey Charts?

A Sankey chart is a type of flow diagram that uses flowlines to show relationships between different elements. In other words, Sankey charts are used to visualize the interactions between different types of data.

To begin, let’s take a look at some of the key components of a Sankey chart:

1. Elements: In a Sankey chart, there are typically three main types of elements: elements in the first category, elements in the second category, and elements in the third category. Each category represents a specific type of data, and the flowlines help to show the relationships between them.

2. Flowlines: Flowlines are the lines that connect different elements in the chart. Each flowline represents a specific type of flow that occurs between the two elements connected by the line. The number of flow lines in each category will depend on the data you are trying to represent, but it is generally recommended to have four or more categories.

3. Labels: In a Sankey chart, often times there are labels placed next to the flowlines to provide additional information about the flow. This provides valuable insights into the data being represented and the flowlines can be customized to highlight specific elements or characteristics.

Creating a Sankey Chart

Now that we’ve outlined what a Sankey chart is, let’s move on to how to create one. Here are the steps to create a simple Sankey chart:

1. Identify the data elements: Decide which data elements to include in your chart. This could be anything from a company’s sales data to the amount of rain falling in a specific region.

2. Decide on the categories: Determine which category each data element falls into. The categories should be descriptive and relevant to your data.

3. Plot the flowlines: Use flowlines to connect the different elements in the chart. Since each element represents a different type of data, the flowlines should be drawn in a way that shows the direction and flow of the data.

4. Add labels: Use labels to provide additional information about the flowlines. This can include the volume of flow, the direction of the flow, or other relevant data.

5. Adjust the size and position of the elements: Finally, the final key to a good Sankey chart is to ensure that the elements are well-placed and are in proper context. Adjust the size and placement of the elements to make sure they are clear and easy to see.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts have a variety of applications, including:

1. Visualization of relationships between different types of data: Sankey charts provide a simple way to visualize the relationships between different types of data, making it easier to understand complex data sets.

2. Representing complex flows: Sankey charts are especially useful for representing complex flow patterns in data sets, such as a company’s sales data or the flow of water in a river.

3. Analyzing trends and patterns: By creating a Sankey chart, you can gain insights into the trends and patterns in your data, and use that information to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Sankey charts provide a simple and effective way to represent complex data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand way. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a Sankey chart that effectively represents the relationships between different aspects of your data. Whether you’re analyzing sales data or tracking the movement of water through a river, a Sankey chart can make your data much more accessible and useful.

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