Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of data within complex systems. Named after Mark Sankey, an engineer who used diagrams of this kind to depict the flow of steam in industrial boilers, Sankey diagrams are now widely used across a variety of disciplines to illustrate processes in which data or energy flows from one step to another. These flow diagrams are particularly effective for showing the proportion in which a resource is distributed among a number of recipients or channels. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a Sankey chart, the different types of Sankey diagrams, and their applications across various industries.
Understanding Sankey Diagrams
A Sankey diagram consists of a series of arrows or flow segments that represent the data flow from one step to another. The width of these arrows is directly proportional to the quantity of data they represent. This visual representation helps users understand the distribution of resources among different outputs and highlights significant losses or gains within a process.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps but can be simplified with the right tools. Let’s take an example to illustrate the process: say we’re analyzing the distribution of energy in a solar panel installation. The steps involved in creating a Sankey diagram might look something like this:
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Data Preparation: Start by organizing your data points to reflect the flows and quantities within your process. In our example, this could involve collecting data on energy input from the sun, energy lost in the system, and energy delivered to various appliances.
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Defining Input and Output: Clearly indicate which step represents the starting point (input) and which are the end points (output). In energy distribution, the input is solar energy, and outputs might include electricity for appliances or wasted energy through heat.
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Determining Widths: Decide on the width of each segment. In a Sankey diagram, the width corresponds to the quantity of data or energy flowing through that segment. For instance, if your analysis shows that 60% of solar energy is lost due to inefficiencies, then the branch representing the loss would be drawn 60% as wide as the total input.
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Using Software: There are several tools available for creating Sankey diagrams, including Excel, Tableau, and R and Python libraries like plotly and matplotlib. These tools simplify the task by allowing you to input your data directly and often provide customization options for the aesthetic elements.
Applications of Sankey Diagrams
Sankey diagrams are versatile and can be applied in a variety of contexts:
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Energy Flow Analysis: As mentioned, Sankey diagrams are perfect for visualizing the flow of energy through different stages in renewable energy systems, as well as more traditional power plants.
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Transportation Efficiency: These charts help in understanding how much of the energy consumed by different modes of transportation is effective versus lost to inefficiency.
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Economic Flow: Sankey diagrams can illustrate how much money flows through different stages of production, distribution, and consumption in a supply chain.
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Public Health Data: They are used to track the flow of patients through the healthcare system, highlighting which treatments are most effective and where resources could be better allocated.
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Logistics: By visualizing the flow of goods and materials through various facilities, Sankey diagrams help in optimizing supply chain logistics.
Conclusion
Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data flows within systems. By mapping out the distribution and movement of data or resources, these charts help in understanding the nuances of processes that are often difficult to grasp at a glance. Whether analyzing energy distribution, economic flows, or the flow of patients through a healthcare system, Sankey charts illuminate complex processes, making them easier to comprehend and manage. As technology continues to evolve, so too does the potential for Sankey diagrams, offering new and innovative ways to visualize and analyze data across the globe.
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.
