Flow Visual Magic: Harnessing the Power of Sankey Diagrams

In an era where data visualization has emerged as a critical tool for understanding complex systems, Sankey diagrams stand out as a uniquely effective method to depict the flow of materials, energy, and finances. Sankeys convert data into a visually intuitive format, revealing the pathways and efficiencies of a given system. Their unique layout—wide for high flows and narrow for low flows—has made them favorites among scientists, engineers, and environmental managers.

The Art of Creating Sankey Diagrams

What is a Sankey Diagram?
At its core, a Sankey diagram is a chart that illustrates the quantity of flow in a system. It achieves this by using arrows to display the flow as widths: wide where there is a high amount of flow and narrow when the flow is low.

Creating a Sankey Diagram: Step by Step

1. Gather Data: As with any form of data visualization, it begins with data collection. Sankey diagrams usually require data on the flow of resources over time or distance.

2. Identify Categories: Break down the data into categories or processes. For example, in an energy audit, categories may include types of fuels used, energy generation methods, distribution channels, and end uses.

3. Create a Template: Sankey diagram software can help arrange your nodes (categories) on a horizontal or vertical layout, often to show the progression over time or distance.

4. Assign Flow Values: Decide on the scale for your arrows. The width of each arrow will represent the volume, frequency, or amount being transported. The larger the arrow, the more significant the flow.

5. Connect the Nodes: Link categories to one another with arrows to indicate the direction of flow. Use consistent formatting to ensure that the direction is clear.

6. Review and Adjust: Once your diagram is drawn, it’s crucial to check for accuracy and balance. Be particular with the design, as misrepresentations can affect the interpretation of the data.

Tools for Creating Sankeys

• Custom Software: A variety of dedicated Sankey diagram software and plugins exist for specialized tasks. These can include Sankey Chart Maker, Sankey Diagrams (in R), and many others.

• Web-Based Platforms: Online tools like Sankey Lab or Kanva offer an easy-to-navigate interface for those less inclined to dive into software development.

• General Data Visualization Tools: Tools like Tableau and Gephi can be used for more general data visualization and still be capable of producing Sankey diagrams.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams’ versatility and ability to portray the flow of various types of entities (materials, energy, finances) make them a useful tool across various fields:

Energy Analysis: By illustrating the efficiency of energy conversion in systems like power plants and vehicles, Sankeys assist in identifying areas for improvement.

Environmental Science: They help in depicting carbon footprints and materials flow in various eco-cycles, such as industrial or urban waste management and pollution pathways.

Financial Flows: Companies use them to visualize cash flow, capital expenditures, and more. This provides insights into where funds are going and the effectiveness of resource allocation.

Logistics and Supply Chain: Sankeys enable the analysis of the flow of goods and information within the supply chain, aiding in inventory management and identifying bottlenecks.

Chemical Engineering: Sankeys are employed in process design and optimization, simplifying the depiction of complicated chemical reactions and reaction pathways.

Transportation and Movement: They can depict travel patterns or supply chain logistics, showing how people or goods move between cities or within a network.

Wrapping Up

The use of flow visual magic in Sankey diagrams transforms complex, multivariate data into a coherent narrative. By employing the visual language of Sankey diagrams, stakeholders can swiftly grasp intricate systems and workflows. As we continue to generate and analyze vast quantities of data, tools like Sankey diagrams are not just decorative but are becoming indispensable for making sense of our interconnected world. With careful consideration of their creation and thoughtful interpretation of their meanings, Sankey diagrams continue to be a beacon of clarity amidst the data flood.

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.