Sankey diagrams are a graphic visualization tool that represents the flow or movement of resources through a system. They illustrate the magnitude of these flows between different points and are especially useful for showing both the quantities and the direction of flow. Originating from the representation of water flow in the Sankey power station on the River Mersey in the UK, Sankey diagrams have evolved into versatile tools for showing data flow within a variety of contexts. This article delves into the creation of Sankey charts, their applications, and the insights they unveil about the flow of information and data.
Understanding Sankey Charts
Sankey diagrams are characterized by arrows or bars whose width proportionately represents the flow size. These flows typically represent the flow of energy, material, or information from one place to another, or between different processes. They are particularly suited for representing data concerning energy conversions (such as in power plants, vehicles, or appliances), money flows, or any situation where items move between categories.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, including data preprocessing, arranging data into flows, and then generating the visualization. The process can be broken down into these major steps:
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Data Collection: Gather the necessary data points that will form the basis of the Sankey diagram. This typically includes the starting points, ending points, and the amount or volume of data/material flowing between these points.
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Data Preprocessing: Sankey diagrams are particularly effective for showing large changes between categories. Thus, the data should be normalized or otherwise adjusted to ensure that the differences between flows are clear.
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Deciding on Flow Orientation: Decide whether to create a horizontal or vertical Sankey chart. The orientation of the chart significantly impacts the readability and interpretation of the data.
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Creating the Chart: The final step involves using software or programming languages like R, Python, or specialized tools like Tableau to create and generate the Sankey chart based on the preprocessed data.
Applications
Sankey diagrams are widely applicable across multiple domains, including:
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Scientific Research: Scientists use Sankey diagrams to visualize energy and mass flow in ecological models; energy conversion in buildings or power plants; or the movement of nutrients through food chains.
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Business Intelligence: Companies use Sankey diagrams to evaluate business models by tracking the flow of resources, such as energy, in manufacturing processes or the flow of money through different stages of a business.
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Educational Institutions: To illustrate the flow of knowledge through a curriculum or the flow of students through different stages of educational programs.
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Emergency and Climate Services: To show the flow of emergency resources and services, or the flow of energy through climate models.
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Social Media and Digital Marketing: To visualize the flow of information, shares, or users within a social network or the flow of ads across platforms.
Streamlining Insights
When used effectively, Sankey diagrams can streamline insights, making it easier for users to grasp complex data flows. They facilitate an understanding of the magnitude and direction of data movement with relatively simple visual cues. This clarity is invaluable for decision-makers and analysts across various fields, as it aids in identifying key flows, bottlenecks, or areas for optimization within systems or processes.
In conclusion, Sankey diagrams provide a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of information and data across different systems and contexts. Their ability to represent quantities and directions with ease makes them a go-to visualization method in many scientific, business, and educational applications. By leveraging the insights revealed through Sankey charts, stakeholders can make more informed decisions, optimize processes, and derive value from their data.
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