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Flow Visualization Made Easy: A Guide to Creating Compelling Sankey Charts

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by

emperinter
in , ,

Sankey charts, named after their inventor, Irish engineer Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, are a type of flow diagram that shows the distribution and flow of quantities. They are used to visualize data that flows from one point to another, such as energy usage, water usage, or personnel movements within a company. Sankey charts can help decision-makers understand the connections between different processes, identify where resources are being wasted, or track the flow of a particular product or service.
In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and its various applications. We will discuss how to create compelling Sankey charts using various tools, including Tableau and Power BI, and provide tips to optimize the charts for readability and comprehension.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flow diagram that represents the transfer of a quantity between different sources and sinks. It consists of nodes (representing the source and sink of the flow) and links (representing the flow between the nodes). The width of the links is proportional to the value of the flow, making it easy to see the relative importance of each flow.

Key Elements of a Sankey Chart

  1. Source: This is where the data originates.
  2. Sink: This is where the data ends up.
  3. Links: These represent the flow between the source and sink, with the width indicating the magnitude of the flow.
  4. Nodes (Flows): These are the individual pathways between the source and sink.

Types of Sankey Charts

  1. Vertical Sankey Charts: Also known as flow charts, these are the classic Sankey charts used for visualizing flow in a vertical or horizontal direction.
  2. Horizontal Sankey Charts: Useful when there are too many nodes on a single vertical line, making it hard to visualize each flow individually.
  3. Radial Sankey Charts: These charts are used when there are too many flows to display in a linear format, creating a radial network of flows.

Creating Sankey Charts

Creating a Sankey chart can be done in various platforms and tools. Here, we’ll focus on creating Sankey charts using Tableau and Power BI, which are popular data visualization tools.

Tableau

  1. Prepare Your Data:
    • Organize your data with columns for source, flow name, sink, and value.
  2. Create the Chart:
    • Drag “value” to the Size shelf of the Sankey diagram.
    • Drag “source” to the Columns shelf and “sink” to the Rows shelf.
    • Arrange the nodes and flows as needed to create the Sankey diagram.
  3. Optimize Your Chart:
    • Adjust the node labels, flow orientations, and link styles to enhance readability.
    • Use tooltips to display additional information on hover.

Power BI

  1. Prepare Your Data:
    • Ensure your data includes columns for each flow link (Source, Target, Value).
  2. Create the Sankey Chart:
    • Add the “Sankey” visual to your report.
    • Drag “Source” to the Value field, “Target” to the Related Values field, and “Value” to the Size field.
  3. Optimize Your Chart:
    • Customize visual elements such as color, orientation, and layout to better represent your data.
    • Utilize Power BI’s connectivity to linked datasets for dynamic updates.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts find applications across various fields, including:

  • Energy and Water Management: Visualizing energy usage or water flow in a network of facilities or in a building.
  • Economic Flows: Analyzing economic transactions between different sectors or countries.
  • Organizational Flow: Understanding the movement of personnel or budget across different departments within a company.
  • Healthcare: Tracking the flow of patients or treatments in a healthcare system.

Tips for Creating Compelling Sankey Charts

  1. Minimize Clutter: Keep too many nodes and flows to a minimum to avoid visual clutter.
  2. Highlight Key Flows: Use color or size to highlight significant flows that are important for the narrative.
  3. Consistent Scale: Make sure the scale is consistent across the entire flow to avoid misleading comparisons.
  4. Contextual Labels: Include descriptive labels next to each node or flow to enhance understanding.
  5. Iterative Refinement: Continuously refine the chart by adding, removing, or adjusting elements until it accurately communicates the intended message.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding and communicating the flow of quantities in various systems. With the right data preparation and visualization tools, it’s possible to create compelling Sankey charts that not only look professional but also effectively communicate critical data insights. Whether you are managing a complex system or presenting data to stakeholders, Sankey charts can be a valuable addition to your data visualization arsenal.

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.

SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.
SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.