Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flow data. Developed by Mark Shriver in the early 2000s, SANKEY, as the chart is known, combines the structure of bar charts with the color of flows. This creates a unique visualization of flows and networks of data, making it a valuable tool in data analysis.
In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts, their applications, and best-practices for successful visualization.
Basics of Sankey Charts

As a powerful tool for data analysis, a Sankey chart is a type of network diagram. It is composed of nodes and links, which represent entities (nodes) and relationships (links). The nodes can represent people, countries, processes, or any other set of elements. In contrast, the links can represent flows, such as data, information, or materials.
Sankey charts are built based on the flow of elements. The key points are the nodes and the links between them. The nodes are represented by a circle or a rectangle, and the links are represented by arrows pointing to one another. A Sankey chart can also include a flow on the horizontal axis, which indicates the direction of the flow.
Best Practices for Sankey Charts

Creating a well-made Sankey chart requires a variety of considerations, such as selecting the right data, selecting the right nodes, ensuring a clear layout, and using the right colors. Here are some tips for creating successful Sankey charts:

1. Choose high-quality data. Good data should be easy to understand and should be structured in a way that allows for visualizing the flows of data.
2. Select the right nodes. The nodes should be the main elements that you want to convey in the chart. Ensure that the nodes are of high quality and accurately reflect the information.
3. Keep the layout. The layout of the chart should be clear and uncluttered. The colors used in the chart should complement each other but not overpower the chart.
4. Use the right colors. The colors used in a Sankey chart should complement each other while being distinguishable. A good example would be blue to represent resources, green to represent consumption, and red to represent flow.
   Creating Steps for Sankey Charts

Now that we have explored what Sankey charts are and how to effectively use them, let’s take a closer look at the process of creating them. Here’s how you can create a Sankey chart step-by-step:

1. Choose your data. Decide which entity or data you want to visualize.
2. Gather data. Collect the data that will be visualized in the Sankey chart.
3. Determine the structure. Decide which structure to use for the data (for example, nodes or links).
4. Select your colors. Choose a color palette to use for the nodes, links, and flows.
5. Format the chart. Format the chart to make it readable and attractively designed.
6. Apply the data. Apply the data to the chart, ensuring the relationships between the elements are clearly established.
7. Validate and test the chart. Validate the chart to ensure it is accurate, and test it with different data sets to ensure it is effective.

Overall, Sankey charts provide a powerful visual tool for comprehending and analyzing flows and networks of data. By following the best practices outlined above, you can create accurate and visually appealing Sankey charts that can effectively visualize and analyze data.

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