Flow Visualized: The Art of Sankey Mastery

In the intricate dance of data representation, few visualization techniques embody as much utility and aesthetic appeal as the Sankey diagram. A Sankey diagram, at its heart, is a type of flow diagram in which the width of the arrows represents the quantity of flow. This makes Sankey charts particularly adept at representing the quantities or energies in a process, especially when assessing how these entities are transformed and transported. They bring a level of clarity and precision to complex systems that is often unattainable with other types of visualizations.

What is a Sankey Diagram?

Sankey diagrams were introduced by an English engineer named Matthew Sankey in the late 19th century. They were initially used in engineering to convey the energy flows through various components of a system, and since then, the applications have diversified to include various fields ranging from environmental studies to economic processes.

Creating a Sankey Diagram

The art of Sankey diagram creation involves several key steps:

1. Identify Data Source: Begin by deciding the underlying data you want to visualize. This could be the flow of money in an economic system, energy in an industrial process, or materials in a supply chain.

2. Divide Flow Streams: Break down the flows into different streams or channels, depending on their nature. The channels are typically arranged side by side down the page with one stream at the top.

3. Calculate Flow Values: Assign data points to each flow segment so that the width of the flow path corresponds to the actual size of the flux. This requires careful normalization to ensure accurate representation.

4. Start with the Source: The diagram typically begins with the source, which could be input, energy, or raw material, and then flows through several processes or steps before ending at the sink.

5. Connect Flow Segments: Use arrows to join the segments. The direction of the arrows indicates the flow direction from the source to the sink.

6. Ensure No Loops: Sankey charts should not include any loops to avoid confusion about the direction of the flow.

7. Fine-Tuning: Adjust the width of the arrows to represent the relative quantities moving through each process. Ensure the diagram is balanced aesthetically, not too dense in one area and too sparse in another.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams have become a staple in various industries due to their effectiveness in representing complex flows in a clear and concise manner. Here are some notable applications:

1. Environmental Studies:

   • Tracking greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing industries.
   • Monitoring materials flow in waste management systems.
   • Visualizing energy flows in buildings or within cities.

2. Economics and Business:

   • Illustrating the flow of money in financial systems.
   • Mapping the flow of value in a company’s supply chain.
   • Presenting information in business processes and workflows.

3. Manufacturing and Engineering:

   • Showing the flow of materials, energy, or information in production processes.
   • Evaluating the efficiency of different components and systems.
   • Facilitating the design of more efficient processes.

4. Energy Management:

   • Understanding the energy use in different parts of the grid.
   • Comparing the energy intensity of different fuels and technologies.
   • Analyzing data on energy production, distribution, and consumption.

Conclusion: Sankey diagrams are a visual shortcut that enables users to understand the distribution and relationship between elements within a system. Mastery of the Sankey diagram involves not only the application of data-driven design principles but also an appreciation for the aesthetic harmony within the visualization. By mastering Sankey diagram creation and understanding its applications, data scientists and analysts can offer a unique lens through which to comprehend complex systems, whether they are in nature, business, or engineering. With the right balance of technical accuracy and artistic flair, the Sankey diagram stands as a testament to the power of visual communication in simplifying the complex.

SankeyMaster

SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.