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.

ABC

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.

ABC

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.

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