The River of Data: A Sankey Chart Symphony

Introduction

In the realm of data visualization, certain tools have transcended their original purpose to become integral to the art of storytelling. One such tool is the Sankey chart, a specialized type of flow diagram that allows for clear and intuitive illustration of the quantities and directions of flow within a system. In this article, we will explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, taking a musical metaphor to describe this “River of Data” as a symphony of intricate movements.

The Art of Sankey Charts

What is a Sankey Chart?

Sankey charts are named after English engineer Matthew Henry Phineas Duckworth Sankey, who used this type of diagram in 1898. They are ideal for illustrating the energy, costs, and materials flow within a process or system. Unlike traditional bar or line charts, Sankey charts feature a series of “flows” which converge, diverge, or branch out depending on the data.

The flows within Sankey diagrams act like the stems and branches of a tree or the veins of the human body, highlighting the volume of energy, materials, or money moving through various parts of the process. The thickness of each flow reflects the quantity flowing through it at any point, while the direction usually follows the path of the main process being diagrammed.

Creating a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart involves several key steps, much like composing a symphony:

1. Conception: Determine what you want to visualize. This could be the flow of materials in a production process, the energy consumption of a house, or even the financial flow of a specific industry.

2. Score: Develop the structure of the chart, deciding how the elements will fit together. You need to decide the processes, resources, inputs, and outputs that will be depicted, as well as the order in which these elements may occur.

3. Instrumentation: Choose the right software or tool for creating Sankey charts. Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, professional data visualization tools like Tableau, or dedicated Sankey chart software such as Gephi are commonly used.

4. Arrangement: Plot each element in the tool, connecting them with vectors and adjusting their thickness to represent the volume of flow.

5. Rehearsal: Before finalizing the chart, it’s essential to review and refine the design, ensuring that the chart accurately represents the data and is easily understandable.

The Symphony of Sankey Charts: Applications

The applications of Sankey charts are as diverse as the data they can visualize, akin to the range of emotions and effects that music can evoke:

Energy and Environmental Analysis

Sankey charts excel in portraying the flow of energy, making them invaluable for energy auditing and environmental impact assessments. They can show the most energy-intensive stages of a process, pinpointing where to implement energy-saving measures.

Financial Flow Tracking

In the finance industry, Sankey charts help in understanding the flow of capital, revealing which parts of the business generate income, and where funds are allocated. This can assist in identifying revenue drivers and areas of potential overspending.

Supply Chain and Logistics

The supply chain and logistics sectors can use Sankey charts to depict the flow of goods and services, showing how efficiently or inefficiently each component of the supply chain operates.

Process Optimization

Within manufacturing and process management, Sankey charts can be used to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas of improvement within a workflow.

Science and Research

In scientific research, Sankey charts can illustrate the complex flow of information, interactions between species, or the energy transfer in biochemical pathway studies.

Policy Making

Public policy can benefit from Sankey diagrams by effectively communicating how taxes, subsidies, or regulations might impact the economy or social welfare.

Conclusion

The River of Data flows through various fields and industries, with each Sankey chart presenting a mini-symphony of its own. Like a classical music composition, a Sankey chart must be purposeful, dynamic, and engaging. It serves as a bridge between complexity and clarity, turning intricate data into a visual symphony that resonates with the audience. By understanding the creation and applications of Sankey charts, we can leverage this powerful visualization tool to unlock deeper insights from our data, making it a fundamental instrument in the orchestra of data storytelling.

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.