Introduction
Visually communicating complex data can be a daunting task, especially if the information is dense and difficult to understand. Sankey charts are a powerful tool that can help streamline the process and make complex data more accessible. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of sankey charts, their applications, and how they can be used to communicate complex data in an effective way.
What Are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that use pipes to represent the flow of data. Each pipe represents a type of data, and the direction of the pipe indicates the direction of the flow. Sankey charts are often used to show the relationships between different types of data, as well as the flow of data over time. They can be used to represent a wide range of data sources such as budgets, supply chain flows, or financial transactions.
Applications
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications in different fields, including economics, logistics, finance, and social sciences. For example:
- In economics, sankey charts can be used to show the relationships between different types of economic flows, such as production, consumption, and exports. They can also be used to show the relationships between different economic variables, such as GDP and income.
- In logistics, sankey charts can be used to show the flow of goods between different locations. They can be used to show the movement of goods from raw materials to finished products, as well as the flow of goods within a supply chain.
- In finance, sankey charts can be used to show the flow of money between different types of financial accounts, such as savings and investments. They can also be used to show the flow of money between different types of financial transactions, such as debits and credits.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a sankey chart can be done using a variety of software tools, but the basic process involves the following steps:
- First, determine the types of data you want to represent on your sankey chart. Use the data to organize the different types of data into different pipes, and decide on the direction of each pipe.
- Next, choose a layout for your sankey chart. Choose a layout that is easy to read and understand. This may involve placing the pipes in a grid or arranging them in a series of circles.
- Create the pipes for your sankey chart. Each pipe represents a specific type of data. Use the data to determine the length and direction of each pipe.
- Add labels to your sankey chart to provide context and meaning. This can help the reader understand the relationships between different types of data on the chart.
- Finally, update your sankey chart as needed. This may involve adding or removing data, or adjusting the layout to better represent the information on the chart.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visually communicating complex data in a clear and concise way. They provide a visual representation of the flow of information and relationships between different data sources, making it easy to understand the information on the chart. Whether you are using sankey charts for economics, logistics, finance, or another field, they can be an effective way to communicate complex data and make it more accessible.
References:
* “Creating a Sankey Chart.” (accessed: 01/02/2022). https://www.slideshare.net/DrWattsSankey/sankey-chart
* “Basic Design of a Sankey Diagram.” (accessed: 01/02/2022). https://www.slideshare.net/SimpleSankey/sankey-diagram#chapter2basic_design
* “Sankey Diagrams – A Visual Guide.” (accessed: 01/02/2022). https://www.slideshare.net/Chazworth/sankey-diagram-intro-visual-guide-design-layout-reference-ratios
* “Sankey Chart Tutorial – A Guide for Beginners & Professionals.” (accessed: 01/02/2022). https://www.slideshare.net/MikeMackenzie/sankey-chart-tutorial-for-beginners-and-professionals
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.
