Data structure

Balanced matrix

Creating a chord diagram with a balanced matrix involves using a square matrix where the rows and columns represent the same categories, and the values indicate the relationships or flows between them. A balanced matrix means that the sum of the rows equals the sum of the columns for each category, often used to visualize symmetric relationships or flows in a system.

	A	B	C
A	0	5	5
B	5	0	5
C	5	5	0

Unbalanced matrix

A chord diagram with an unbalanced matrix represents data where the sum of the rows does not necessarily equal the sum of the columns. This is common in many real-world scenarios where the flow or relationship between entities is not symmetric.

	A	B	C
A	0	30	10
B	20	0	40
C	50	10	0
D	10	30	0

Interpretation

• Thickness of Chords: The width of a chord segment for a category indicates the magnitude of flow from or to that category. If a chord is thicker on the left side where it connects to A, it shows that A is contributing more to another entity than it is receiving.

• Disparities: Any visible disparity in the thickness of the chord at either end highlights the imbalance in the relationship.