Ever wondered how to visualise hierarchical data in a visually striking way? The sunburst chart is a fantastic choice. It’s designed to display hierarchies, where each level is represented by a ring or circle. The innermost circle represents the top of the hierarchy, with subsequent layers breaking down the data into contributing components.
When used correctly, a sunburst chart effectively shows how the outer rings relate to the inner rings, making it an excellent choice for exploring relationships within hierarchical data.
Steps to Create a Sunburst Chart
Let’s dive into how to create a sunburst chart using the Sample Superstore dataset.
1. Use the MAKEPOINT Function
Start by creating a calculated field using the MAKEPOINT
function. This sets the stage for creating the visualisation layers.
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2. Add Layers to the Map
Drag the MAKEPOINT
calculation into the view. This will automatically generate a map. Then, drag it four times onto the Map Layer.
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3. Remove the Background Map
To clean up the view, go to the Background Maps settings and select None.
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4. Adjust Chart Types for Each Layer
To create the hierarchy:
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- Set the first layer to display Inner Circle.
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- Set the second layer to display Sales by Category.
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- Set the third layer to display Outer Circle.
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- Set the fourth layer to display Sales by Sub-Category.
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Each layer builds on the hierarchy, creating the rings of the sunburst.
5. Resize for Proportions
To configure the proper proportions for each layer:
- Adjust the size of each layer as needed to maintain the hierarchy’s balance.
- Use shortcuts for overall size adjustments:
- Ctrl + Shift + B to make the chart larger.
- Ctrl + B to make it smaller.
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6. Disable Selection for Circles
For a polished and intuitive experience, disable the selection functionality for the inner and outer circles.
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7. (Optional) Add More Layers
You can expand the hierarchy by adding another layer. For example:
- Add Manufacturer to show sales across each manufacturer, and its relationship to the Sub-Category and Category layers.
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Important Considerations
While sunburst charts are visually appealing, it’s essential to consider their practical application:
- The goal of any visualisation is to effectively communicate insights.
- Often, simpler charts (such as bar or line charts) are more effective at conveying information clearly and quickly.
Sunburst charts should be reserved for instances where understanding hierarchical relationships is critical.