Visualizing Flow and Connections with Sankey Charts

The Sankey Chart is used to visualize the flow of data between multiple categories, highlighting relationships, proportions, and connections in an intuitive manner. It is ideal for displaying processes, resource flows, and relationships where values split or merge across nodes.

Configuring the Chart

Data Connections

To set up the Sankey Chart, configure the following fields:

1. User Document
   Connect to the data document that contains the data to visualize.

2. Projection
   Select the specific data field that will serve as the primary data source for visualization.

3. Date Data Connection
   Choose a date field to filter or organize the flow data based on a time range.
   Example: Use “Created At” to analyze data flows over specific time periods.

4. From Data Connection
   Select the source node of the flow. This field represents where the flow begins in the visualization.

5. To Data Connection
   Choose the destination node of the flow. This field represents where the flow ends or transitions to.

6. Name Data Connection
   This is used to label nodes or categories within the flow. Select a field that contains the names or identifiers for the nodes.

Chart Configuration

The Configuration section ensures the Sankey chart processes and visualizes data accurately:

1. Option Name

   • Enter a descriptive name for the configuration.

   • Example: “Sales Pipeline Flow” or “Resource Distribution.”

2. Data Index

   • Select the data field (index) to process and visualize from the connected document.

   • Example: If analyzing flows between stages, select “Document ID” or “Record ID”.

3. Operator

   • Choose the operation to apply to the data:

     • Count: Total number of flows or transitions.

     • Sum: Sum up values (e.g., revenue flowing between stages).

     • Avg: Calculate averages for values.

4. Type

   • Define the data type:

     • Number: For numerical flows like totals or sums.

     • String: For text-based flows such as categories or labels.

5. Sort

   • Choose the sorting order for the visualization:

     • 1: Ascending order.

     • -1: Descending order.

By configuring these options, the Sankey Chart will provide a clear and detailed representation of the relationships and data flows, making complex processes easier to interpret.