Sankey charts are a data visualization method used to show the flow of data between multiple sources and destinations. They are particularly useful for visualizing the relationships between variables, such as in the study of network flow or the distribution of resources in a specific system. In this article, we will take a short, sharp look at how to create and apply Sankey charts.
To create a Sankey chart:
1. Choose a data source for your chart. This could be a network of data, such as the flow of information in a communication network, or a set of variables that need to be visualized.
2. Select the variables that need to be visualized on your chart.
3. Assign a direction to each data source and a label for each destination. This information comes from the data source or the user input.
4. Once you have the necessary information, you can begin to plot the chart. You can either create the chart using a software program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, or you can type out the information yourself in a spreadsheet.
5. Finally, you can add colors and shapes to your chart to make it more appealing and easier to understand.
Some applications of Sankey charts include the following:
- Resource allocation in project management. For example, you could use a Sankey chart to show how resources, such as labor and materials, are allocated throughout a construction project.
- Supply chain management. A Sankey chart can be used to visualize the flow of goods and services between various companies in a supply chain.
- Environmental flow accounting. Sankey charts can be used to track the flow of pollutants and other environmental contaminants in a specific system, such as a landfill.
With Sankey charts, you can easily visualize the relationships between different variables and understand how they interact. They are a great tool for communicating complex data and can help users gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamics of the system they are studying.
SankeyMaster
SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.
