When it comes to data visualization, sankey charts are a useful tool that can help you convey complex relationships and data distribution in a clear and intuitive way. These charts have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to highlight important trends and patterns in data. In this article, we will explore the basics of sankey charts, how they work, and some tips for creating your own.
What Are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of network diagram that use a specific type of arrow, called a sankey arrow, to represent the direction and strength of a relationship. A sankey arrow consists of two branches with one central point. The branches represent the different components or elements of the relationship, and the central point represents the central or centralizing element. There are two main types of sankey charts: hierarchical and unidirectional.
Hierarchical sankey charts are used when the relationship between components is hierarchical, meaning that some components are lower-level or more central than others. The hierarchy is represented by the order of the components on the diagram.
Unidirectional sankey charts are used when the relationship between components is unidirectional, meaning that components do not affect each other. In this case, the sankey arrows extend out from the central point in all directions.
How Do Sankey Charts Work?

Sankey charts work by assigning each component or group of components a label and orienting them in the appropriate direction. You can then use sankey arrows to show the direction of the relationship between components.
For example, let’s say you wanted to visualize the relationship between companies, employees, and their salaries. You could create a hierarchical sankey chart with the companies as nodes and the employees as links. Each employee would have a column representing their company, and the sankey arrow would show the direction of the relationship between the two entities.
When you want to add more information to the chart, you can use the arrows to indicate the strength of the relationship between the components. For example, if there is a strong relationship between two components, you could use a thicker sankey arrow to show this.
Tips for Creating Your Own Sankey Chart

Creating a sankey chart can be a bit of an art form, so it’s important to try different approaches and variations to find the one that works best for your data. Here are some tips for creating your own sankey chart:
– Start by identifying the key elements of your data.
– Choose an orientation for the sankey arrows, either horizontal or vertical.
– Assign each component a label, and orient them in the appropriate direction.
– Use sankey arrows to indicate the direction and strength of the relationships between components.
– Use the arrows to highlight any trends or patterns in your data.
– Experiment with different orientations and layouts to find the one that best represents your data.
– Finally, use the resulting chart to communicate your message and insights to others.
In conclusion, sankey charts are a useful tool to visualize complex relationships and data distribution. By using the right approach and variations, you can create a sankey chart that represents your data in a clear and intuitive manner. With practice, you will be able to create a sankey chart that effectively communicates your ideas to others.

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