Transportation networks are complex systems that involve a wide range of interlocking elements. From road networks to railway systems to public transportation networks, understanding these networks is crucial for managing traffic flow, improving efficiency, and enhancing accessibility. One widely used visual tool for analyzing transportation networks is the Sankey chart, a type of diagram that uses a combination of pipes and arrows to represent the flow of resources or information between different entities in a network.
Sankey charts were developed in the early 20th century by the Scottish biologist, Irmgard Thurlow, with the aim of explaining the complex flow of energy in ecosystems. However, they have since been adapted for use in network analysis in a variety of fields, including transportation engineering, urban planning, and sustainability.
In an sankey chart, flow is represented by lines between entities or components. Each pipe or arrow represents a flow of a specific resource or information, such as materials, energy, messages, or information. The direction of the arrow or pipe shows the direction of the flow, while the width or height of the pipe provides information about the magnitude of the flow.
Sankey charts can be used to visualize a wide range of transportation networks, including road networks, railway systems, airport networks, and public transportation systems. For example, a sankey chart can be used to show the flow of traffic on a road network, with the roads represented by pipes and the flows represented by arrows. Each arrow can also be associated with specific traffic volumes or speeds, providing additional information about the network.
Another application of the sankey chart is in emergency response operations. In an emergency situation, the flow of resources, such as emergency personnel, equipment, supplies, and medications, can be represented using sankey charts. The chart provides information about the flow of resources, allowing emergency responders to plan and coordinate their actions more effectively.
Sankey charts can also be used in sustainability planning to visualize how different modes of transportation interact with each other. For example, a sankey chart can be used to show the flow of energy between different modes of transportation, such as road traffic, rail traffic, and shipping. This visualization can help planners identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, such as maximizing the use of public transportation systems or reducing the amount of energy used in transporting goods.
In conclusion, sankey charts are a useful tool for analyzing transportation networks, particularly in network analysis. They can be used to visualize the flow of resources or information between different entities in a network, providing a visual representation of complex transportation systems. Whether used for emergency response operations, sustainability planning, or network analysis, sankey charts can help planners and policymakers make more informed decisions about the use of different modes of transportation.

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