Exploring Data Visualization: Unveiling the Power of Sankey, Circular Packing, and Network Graphs | Authored by Maham Haroon | August 2023
Introduction:
Welcome to an exploration of unconventional visualizations! In the world of data analysis, charts like bar graphs and scatter plots are commonly used. However, there are instances where more intricate displays are needed. In this post, we’ll focus on three hidden gems: Sankey Diagrams. These diagrams are perfect for tracking flows and visualizing the movement of data. Let’s dive in and uncover their magic!
Full Article: Exploring Data Visualization: Unveiling the Power of Sankey, Circular Packing, and Network Graphs | Authored by Maham Haroon | August 2023
Unconventional visualizations: when and when not to wield their power
Hello there!
If you’ve delved into the world of data analysis, you’re likely familiar with the power of charts like bar graphs, line plots, scatter plots, and pie charts. These visuals not only make data more accessible but also enhance understanding for various audiences — whether they’re stakeholders, customers, or even yourself, seeking insights from the data. However, there are instances where the data complexities demand more intricate and captivating displays.
Imagine this scenario: You’re stepping into the shoes of a fledgling data scientist at our fictional company MM Awesome Data Inc. The management is grappling with the integration of new data sources within the existing data framework and they really need to understand the big picture. While a pie chart might serve a portion of the purpose, imagine the impact and flair of presenting a flowchart, such as a captivating sankey diagram or a dynamic stream graph.
This post revolves around such scenarios. In the vast landscape of available data visualizations, there are some hidden gems that often remain underutilized. Recognizing the fact that we can’t talk about all these awesome visualization in one post, we’ll focus on three of them here. So, let’s dive in.
Let’s kick things off by exploring the fascinating world of Sankey Diagrams.
Sankey Diagrams are an incredibly cool way to visualize the flow of data. They offer a unique way to see how things are moving from one stage to another. Imagine understanding the journey of a product from its inception to the final outcome, or how different categories come together or split apart. That’s where Sankey Diagrams shine the brightest.
However, it’s worth mentioning that these diagrams are best suited for scenarios that involve tracking flows, like the examples we mentioned. In other cases, they might not be the best fit. So, let’s dive in and uncover their magic!
Summary: Exploring Data Visualization: Unveiling the Power of Sankey, Circular Packing, and Network Graphs | Authored by Maham Haroon | August 2023
Unconventional visualizations, such as Sankey Diagrams, have the power to enhance data understanding and engagement. While traditional charts and graphs are useful for basic analysis, complex data requires more captivating displays. Sankey Diagrams visually represent the flow of data, making them ideal for scenarios involving tracking flows.
Beyond Bar Charts: Data with Sankey, Circular Packing, and Network Graphs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sankey diagrams?
Sankey diagrams are a type of flow diagram that visually represent the flow of data or energy between different entities. They use color-coded arrows or lines to show the direction and quantity of the flow.
How are Sankey diagrams useful for data visualization?
Sankey diagrams are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems or processes where the flow of data or energy needs to be understood. They can effectively showcase the relationships and connections between different entities.
What is Circular Packing?
Circular packing is a data visualization technique that represents hierarchical data in a circular layout. It uses concentric circles to display the hierarchy, with each circle representing a level of the hierarchy. The size of each circle represents the value or size of the data.
How can Circular Packing be used in data visualization?
Circular packing can be used to represent hierarchical data in a visually appealing and intuitive way. It enables easy understanding of the hierarchical structure and allows for effective comparison of values across different levels of the hierarchy.
What are Network Graphs?
Network graphs, also known as network diagrams or graph visualizations, are used to represent relationships between entities. They consist of nodes (representing entities) and edges (representing connections or relationships between entities).
What is the significance of Network Graphs in data visualization?
Network graphs are widely used in data visualization to represent and analyze complex networks, such as social networks, computer networks, or biological networks. They help in understanding the relationships, patterns, and connections between entities.
Additional Information
Why are these data visualization techniques important?
These data visualization techniques go beyond traditional bar charts and provide alternative ways to represent and analyze data. They offer unique perspectives and insights into complex data sets, allowing for better understanding and decision-making.
Where can I learn more about these techniques?
You can find more detailed information and tutorials on these techniques in various online resources, including blogs, data visualization websites, and online courses.
