Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that can be used to represent flows, distributions, and movements in complex systems. They are named after Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, an English mechanical engineer who invented the first Sankey diagram in 1858 to show the energy usage of the Newcassel colliery in northeastern England.

In the century and a half since Sankey’s pioneering work, the application of Sankey charts has grown significantly, with a wide variety of fields now using this visualization technique. Today, Sankey charts are used in a variety of applications, including economics, engineering, sociology, and environmental science. There are also various tools available to help users create Sankey diagrams, including online software and specialized software applications like SankeyTools for the Microsoft Office suite.

In this article, we will explore the basics of creating Sankey diagrams and the different ways these visualizations can be used to unravel complex systems.

Creating Sankey Diagrams

Creating a Sankey chart involves defining the starting and ending nodes of each flow, as well as the magnitude of the flow between nodes. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a Sankey diagram:

1. Identify the inputs, outputs, and flows in your data set: Your data should have a clear starting point (inputs) and a clear endpoint (outputs). The flows between the inputs and outputs represent the information you want to visualize.
2. Calculate the flow values: Determine the magnitude of each flow, typically measured by the volume, quantity, or value transferred between nodes.
3. Choose a visualization tool: There are several software tools available that can help you create Sankey diagrams. Popular options include tools such as SankeyTools, D3.js (a JavaScript library), and NodeXL for Microsoft Excel.
4. Design the layout: Determine the layout of the chart based on the flow values. This includes the layout of nodes and the width of the links that connect the nodes. The width of the links is typically proportional to the magnitude of the flow.
5. Customize the appearance: Customize the appearance of the chart, including colors, labels, and any additional design elements.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding complex systems. Here are a few examples of how Sankey charts can be used:

• Energy systems: Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize the energy flows in power grids, such as the electricity usage of a city or the energy conversion in a power plant. This helps stakeholders understand the energy consumption patterns and identify potential areas for efficiency improvements.
• Economic flows: Sankey charts can demonstrate the financial flows within a business or economy, such as trade relationships between countries, investment flows in the stock market, or cash flow within a company. This visualization helps in identifying the major financial flows and can be useful for decision-making.
• Supply chains: In supply chain management, Sankey diagrams can illustrate the flow of goods and materials between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. This visualization can assist in identifying bottlenecks, optimizing logistics, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
• Environmental monitoring: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, such as water or carbon emissions, through an ecosystem or urban environment. This can help scientists, policy-makers, and environmentalists understand the impacts of human activities and develop sustainable policies.
• Societal trends: Sankey diagrams can represent the flow of information, opinions, or resources between different social groups, regions, or communities. These visualizations can provide insights into the dynamics of social networks, the spread of ideas, and the allocation of resources in society.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for understanding complex systems and flows. By representing the magnitude and direction of flows with nodes and links, Sankey diagrams provide a comprehensive view of the interconnections within a system. Not only do they enable analysts to identify key elements and patterns, but they also facilitate better decision-making and problem-solving.

Whether you’re working in economics, engineering, sociology, or any other field, Sankey diagrams can be a valuable asset in unraveling complex systems and visualizing the movements within them. By choosing the right visualization tool and customizing the appearance to suit your needs, you can create Sankey diagrams that effectively communicate the insights from your data and help stakeholders understand the intricate dynamics of complex systems.

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.