Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that can be used to represent the flow of data or resources from one point to another. They are named after the Irish engineer and economist Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall “Sankey” (1833–1916) who first introduced them in the mid-1800s for visualizing the flow of energy in steam engines.
Unlike traditional bar or line graphs, which are used to represent data as individual values or changes over time, Sankey charts allow for the visualization of multiple streams of data flowing from one source to another. This can be particularly useful for representing complex systems, such as the flow of energy or raw materials in an industrial process, or the migration patterns of different ethnic groups in a given country.
Creating a Sankey chart can be a relatively straightforward process, but there are several important factors to consider when designing one. Firstly, it is important to clearly define the variables that will be represented in the chart, as well as the units of measurement that will be used. For example, if the chart is being used to represent the flow of energy, it is essential to clarify whether the data is being measured in kilowatt-hours, joules, or some other unit.
Next, it is important to determine the layout of the chart and the order in which the data will be presented. Typically, Sankey charts are arranged with the sources of data positioned at the top of the chart and the destinations at the bottom, with the flows between them represented by lines of varying thicknesses to emphasize the quantity of data being transferred.
Finally, it is important to choose a color scheme that effectively represents the different variables being presented in the chart. One common approach is to use a gradient of colors to represent the quantity of data being transferred, with the darkest color representing the largest flows and the lightest color representing the smallest.
In terms of applications, Sankey charts are particularly useful for industries such as energy, manufacturing, and logistics, where the flow of data or resources is a critical part of the overall process. They can also be useful in fields such as economics, geography, and sociology, where data may be being transferred between different regions or groups.
Overall, the power of Sankey charts lies in their ability to effectively communicate complex data flows in a visually intuitive way. By carefully considering the design of the chart and the data being presented, Sankey charts can be used to reveal important insights and draw meaningful conclusions about the systems being represented.

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.