Introduction:
Sankey diagrams are a type of flow diagram which represent how values flow over time into and out of a given source, sink, or state. They were first developed by Matthew Henry Phizacklea in the early 1800s.
One of the key strengths of a Sankey diagram is its ability to visually represent the flow of material or other substances between different entities. This makes it an excellent tool for understanding complex systems and patterns of exchange, whether they are economic, social, environmental, or otherwise.
In recent years, Sankey diagrams have become more popular due to their ability to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand way, making them a useful tool for data storytelling. This article will explain how to create a Sankey chart and highlight some of its most common applications.
Creating a Sankey Chart:
Creating a Sankey diagram requires some basic data, including the source, target, size of the flow, and labels to describe each entity involved in the flow. The size of each flow typically corresponds to the amount or volume of the material that is flowing between two entities.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a Sankey chart:
1. Identify the entities involved in your data, and their relationship to each other. These entities can be anything from departments in an organization, products within a supply chain, or different countries trading goods.
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Organize your data in a table with the following headers: Source, Target, Value, and Label (optional).
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Add the header data into a Python library such as Plotly, which offers a Sankey diagram function.
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Use the function to create a Sankey diagram based on your data, ensuring each flow is represented correctly in terms of size and direction.
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Customize the appearance of the Sankey chart, adding a title, labels, and colors to represent different categories or stages.
Applications of Sankey Charts:
Sankey charts can be used in a wide variety of applications across various industries. Here are some common use cases:
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Energy Consumption: In the energy sector, Sankey diagrams are often used to visualize the flow of fuels and energy between different sources, generators, transmission lines, and storage facilities.
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Supply Chain Analytics: Supply chain managers can use Sankey charts to represent the flow of products from factories, through distribution centers, and to retailers. By analyzing the data, companies can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for cost optimization.
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Economic Flows: Economists can create Sankey charts to analyze trade flows between countries, industry sectors, or even cities. This helps to identify trade relationships, growth trends, and potential areas for international cooperation.
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Social Networks: In the field of social sciences, Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize information flows between individuals and organizations over time. This can help researchers understand the distribution of knowledge or influence within a particular network.
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Environmental Sciences: Ecologists can create Sankey diagrams to represent the flow of nutrients, energy, or biomass in ecosystems or food webs. This can provide insights into ecosystem health, resource allocation, and the impact of human activities on natural systems.
Overall, Sankey charts are a versatile tool for visualizing complex flows and patterns in various domains. By providing a clear, intuitive representation of information, these charts enable users to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and facilitate data-driven storytelling.
SankeyMaster
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