Unweaving Stories with Sankey Diagrams: Stream of Insight

The stream of insight is the process by which we discover patterns, connections, and meanings from a vast amount of data. One lesser-known tool in this quest is the Sankey diagram, which makes it possible to visualize complex processes and the flow of energy, materials, or information within them. Sankey diagrams, often attributed to English engineer William Playfair in the 19th century, have found a fresh wave of popularity due to their unique ability to condense and clarify intricate data flows.

Understanding the Strengths of Sankey Diagrams

At their core, Sankey diagrams are designed to represent the magnitude of flow within a system — typically from one process to another. The key characteristics of these diagrams are:

1. 流向直观： Flow direction within a Sankey diagram is always from source to destination, making the data flow immediately apparent.
2. 比例明确： Each arrow’s width is directly proportional to the quantity being measured, allowing for easy comparisons between flows.
3. 层次分明的结构： The diagram can easily delineate complex systems and their components, making them a powerful tool for understanding the structure of data and the relationships between its parts.

Crafting a Sankey Diagram

Creating a Sankey diagram is typically a five-step process:

1. Define the System:

   • Identify the system you want to analyze. In the context of energy flows, this might be a power plant or a building.

2. Characterize In and Out Flows:

   • Clearly identify all input and output flows within the system. In an energy flow diagram, this could include primary energy inputs and primary energy losses.

3. Quantify Flows:

   • Measure the volume or amount of each flow. The data must be consistent and comparable to ensure the diagram is accurate.

4. Construct Arrows:

   • For each flow, create a line (arrow) that represents the flow. The thickness of the line should be proportional to the magnitude of the flow relative to other flows.

5. Review and Iterate:

   • Check your Sankey diagram for clarity and accuracy. Make sure it aligns with your expectations of the system and make adjustments as necessary.

One popular tool for creating Sankey diagrams is Sankey diagram tool or software that supports Sankey diagram creation, such as Google Sheets, Python with the Plotly library, or specialized software like Sankey Diagram Software.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams are employed across numerous industries and fields, including:

Energy Analysis:

Energy efficiency and distribution are among their more well-known applications. Sankey diagrams can demonstrate energy transformations from fuel inputs to electricity output and potential wastage in a system.

Logistics and Supply Chains:

In logistics, Sankey diagrams visualize the flow of goods or services through a supply chain, allowing for the identification of bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

Environmental Impact Assessments:

By tracking the flow of materials or waste through a system, Sankey diagrams can reveal the ecological footprint of processes and products.

Financial Systems:

In finance, Sankey diagrams can visualize cash flow streams in and out of a business, providing a clear picture of where funds are being allocated and where they are coming from.

IT and Data Processing:

Network administrators can use Sankey diagrams to track data flow across computer networks and cloud systems, pinpointing where bottlenecks occur and where data enters and exits.

Public Transportation:

These tools can show the passenger load flow within a city’s public transportation system, providing insights into capacity planning and efficiency improvements.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams provide a clear and engaging way to visualize the dynamic flow of systems, from energy and material flow in industrial processes to the flow of information in modern technological landscapes. The beauty of Sankey diagrams lies not just in their ability to present the volume of flow, but also in how they unravel underlying complexity, leading to a stream of insight that can inform decisions and drive improvements in a multitude of scenarios. With their unique combination of simplicity and power, Sankey diagrams are a valuable and underutilized tool for data storytelling and analysis.

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.