Flow Mastery: Unraveling the Curves of Sankey Chart Chronicles
Sankey diagrams, often referred to as Sankey charts or Sankey flow diagrams, are powerful visual tools that convey the amount of flow in a process over time, typically from the start to the end of a process. The flow can represent energy, materials, money, information, or any other element that might be tracked in a process. Sankey charts are valuable in numerous industries from energy management to information flow analysis.
The Curious Geometry of Sankey Diagrams
Named after the British engineer and inventor, William John Macquorn Rankine, who conceptualized the diagram, Sankey charts consist of a set of arrows in which the width of each arrow depicts the quantity of material, energy, or cost passing through it. The flow paths in a Sankey diagram never cross or overlap, which helps to clearly illustrate the direction of energy or material flow.
Sankey charts are unique in their ability to show the efficiency and the energy distribution of complex flow systems, particularly where the directionality and magnitude of flows matter. Unlike other types of flow charts which may be cluttered and confusing, Sankey diagrams provide a clear representation, making them a staple in the world of analytics.
Crafting the Art of Sankey Diagrams
Gathering Data
The first step in creating Sankey charts is gathering accurate and comprehensive data. You might need to count the number of materials that enter and exit a system, measure energy levels, or track the monetary flow.
Structuring the Chart
Next, determine the chart’s structure. You will need to establish at least two nodes — one for the input and one for the output of your system. Subsequent nodes will represent the various processes, with arrows leading from inputs to outputs.
Allocating Flow Volumes
The width of each arrow typically reflects the fraction or volume of a flow. For example, wider arrows could indicate higher volumes of product or material flow. This allocation must be carefully done as it will communicate the importance or efficiency of each part of the process.
Choosing Software or Tools
There are numerous software tools and libraries to create Sankey diagrams, from Excel and Power BI to specialized software like SankeyLab, Sankey Generator, or Gephi. The choice will largely depend on the complexity of the chart and the features you require.
Assembling the Diagram
After setting up your software preferences, start by drawing arrows and setting their widths to match the calculated flow values. Ensure that these arrows connect to their correct nodes and represent the direction of flow.
Mastering the Sankey Artistry
Ensuring Clarity and Simplicity
Clarity often triumphs in the Sankey diagram. Keep the chart simple by reducing unnecessary nodes or flows, and only including the most critical information. This allows the end user to focus on the main aspects of the process rather than getting lost in the details.
Enhancing Readability
Utilizing color-coding is a common practice in Sankey charts to enhance readability. Assign each major component or process a unique color, making it easier for viewers to understand different aspects of the flow.
Fine-Tuning for Accuracy
Accuracy is a must for these diagrams. Any inaccuracies in the width of the arrows could misrepresent the actual data. Always double-check and adjust the widths of your arrows.
Incorporating Sub-totals and Labels
To improve the usability of the Sankey chart, incorporate sub-totals or totals where applicable, and use descriptive labels for each node and process. This feature is crucial for large and complex Sankey diagrams, as it aids in navigation and understanding.
Sankey Charts in the Real World
Energy Management
Energy consumption in buildings, renewable energy outputs, and overall company power usage are all great candidates for Sankey diagrams. They allow for a clear visualization of where energy is going and how efficiently it’s being used.
Supply Chain Logistics
In the logistics industry, Sankey charts can show the flow of materials or the movement of goods through different processes, like sorting, transportation, and handling, to name a few.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Assessing a product’s environmental footprint can be a challenging task, but Sankey diagrams help demystify and present the data in a manageable format.
Financial and Economic Analysis
In finance, these charts can show where money is flowing within or outside of a business, which can assist in tracking investments and maximizing resources.
Conclusion
The art of the Sankey diagram offers a compelling way to visualize the flow of resources over time, across systems, and among processes. By carefully constructing and accurately illustrating these flows, professionals can gain valuable insights into their operations, make informed decisions, and communicate complex information effectively. Embracing the methodical process of creating Sankey diagrams and mastering the discipline of flow representation allows the user to harness the power of visual storytelling and flow mastery.
SankeyMaster
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