Flowcharting the Future with Sankey: Visually Mapping Vital Viscosity

In the realm of data visualization and the communication of information, few tools are as profound nor as unique as the Sankey diagram. Sankey charts are a visual representation that maps the flow of materials and energy in a process—often from sources to destinations, along with a quantification of the work or energy associated with the transfer of each unit of flow. The “vital viscosity” of the information they convey is such that they have become indispensable in a wide variety of fields such as energy, environmental engineering, and logistics. In this article, we explore the art of Sankey chart creation and discuss various applications that demonstrate their dynamic utility.

Understanding the Sankey Diagram

To appreciate the power of Sankey diagrams, it helps to know a bit about their structure. A Sankey diagram consists of arrows that follow the pathways of the flow within a system while conveying the amount of energy or material being transported. The width of each arrow represents the quantity of the flow it denotes, and all these arrows converge and diverge from a central axis which, in turn, represents a central process or system entity.

Sankey diagrams are unique in that:

• Arrows don’t cross: This ensures that the pathways are clear and distinguishable, which is crucial for accurate interpretation.
• Scale changes: Width changes along the arrow reflect changes in quantity of flow.
• Energy loss representation: Typically, the amount of lost energy or waste is included as a smaller width in the flow to the rightmost direction, creating a visual “tail” of inefficiencies.

Creating a Sankey Diagram

Creating a Sankey diagram is both art and a science. The basic steps can be broken down as follows:

1. Identify the Process: Begin by defining the process or system whose flows you want to represent.

2. Choose the Software: Utilize software such as Microsoft Excel, commercial applications like Sankey Flow or open-source tools like Gephi which includes Sankey diagram capabilities.

3. Determine the Inputs and Outputs: List the energy or materials entering and exiting the process.

4. Draw Arrows and Label: Connect the inputs to outputs with arrows. Label each arrow with the amount of flow.

5. Adjust Scale and Size: Ensure that the width accurately reflects the flow quantity, and make any necessary adjustments to fit within the diagram size.

6. Customize: Apply colors and styles to enhance clarity and aesthetics.

7. Review and Refine: Share your diagram for peer review and refine according to feedback.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

The utility of Sankey diagrams spans numerous domains:

Energy Systems Analysis

Sankey diagrams are ideal for energy systems, illustrating the distribution of energy from source to end use, identifying inefficiencies, and optimizing energy allocation.

Environmental Engineering

In environmental science, Sankeys can depict the flow of pollutants from point sources to final disposal or the recycling rate of materials in a manufacturing process.

Chemical Processing

The complex interactions of chemical substances undergoing transformations in a plant or during an industrial process can be mapped and analyzed using Sankey diagrams.

Logistics

In the field of logistics, Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize the flow of goods and information within supply chains, revealing bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

Transportation Planning

Sankey charts offer a method for illustrating the flow of passenger and freight transport, revealing congestion points and encouraging more efficient allocation of resources.

Software Engineering

Sankey diagrams can also aid in software development during system modeling or process documentation, to visualize data flow, resource usage, or information exchange.

Closing Thoughts

The development of Sankey diagrams adds a layer of clarity and precision to the visualization of dynamic systems, offering decision-makers a unique way to understand and optimize processes. As our world continues to rely on high-efficiency and sustainable practices, the role of Sankey diagrams becomes ever more vital. By mapping the “vital viscosity” within a process, we can uncover opportunities for enhancement and move towards ever-greener, more efficient futures.

If you are looking to add clarity to complex data and processes, consider bringing Sankey diagrams into your toolkit. The future flows, and with the right visual maps, we can keep pace.

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.