Imagine a vast, intricate network of pipes carrying water from one reservoir to another, each pipe carrying a different volume of water at different stages. This metaphorical visualization is akin to creating a Sankey chart, a powerful tool that represents data flows or energy transfers across different systems, resources, and processes. Sankey diagrams, named after Captain Sankey of the British Admiralty who, in the late 19th century, used the diagrams to map the energy consumption of steam ships, have evolved into a versatile and insightful method for displaying complex data.
How Sankey Charts Work
Considered as one of the most sophisticated and visually captivating options among other data visualization techniques, a Sankey chart is meticulously designed to show the direction and volume of data flow between various points. Each node is connected to the next by a link, where the width of the link is indicative of the flow’s strength. This means, for instance, in a chart depicting the electricity supply chain, the link width between the electricity generator and the consumer clearly shows the magnitude of the supply.
Building a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is a meticulous process that starts with meticulous data gathering and structuring. Once the data is ready, it’s then formatted into a table that lists inbound and outbound streams per node. A Sankey diagram begins with a source node, where data comes from, typically depicted at the left of the chart. It then progresses to one or more nodes in the middle, which could represent stages in a process, stages in a system, or various steps in a cycle, finally culminating in a destination node located on the right of the chart. Along the way, these nodes are connected by several links, whose width proportionately represents the volume of data or energy transfer across those nodes.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are not just for visual artists; they’re a powerful analytical tool used across various fields for different purposes. In energy and environmental sciences, they are used to track and monitor energy flow chains, highlighting efficiencies and losses throughout the supply chain. In finance, they can be used to evaluate the movement of assets and information concerning investment strategies and portfolio performance. Similarly, in logistics and supply chains, Sankey diagrams help in understanding and optimizing the flow of goods and materials from origin to destination.
Revealing Insights
Sankey diagrams offer a unique advantage in data visualization: they provide a concise overview of complex flow systems, enabling users to quickly grasp the dynamics and intricacies of the data. By looking at the width of the links, it’s possible to quickly assess major sources or destinations, bottlenecks or key stages, and to identify where energy, information, or resources are most concentrated. This capability makes Sankey charts an invaluable tool for decision-makers and analysts looking to identify efficiencies, potential for efficiencies, and areas needing improvement.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a testament to how even in the digital age, visual storytelling remains powerful and informative. By uncoiling the complexities of data flows, these diagrams illuminate hidden patterns and reveal the true dynamics of processes. As we continue to be inundated with data from various sources, Sankey charts remain a crucial tool for us to make sense of the world we live in, to understand how data, information, and energy flow through systems, and to gain insights that can lead to better decisions and improved efficiencies across a wide range of applications.
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.
