Flow with Data: The Sankey Chart Showdown Explained
In the world of data visualization, certain charts continue to reign supreme for their ability to represent complex relationships and interconnections with clarity. Among these is the Sankey diagram, a unique chart type that depicts the flow of material, energy, or cost across a process or activity. In this article, we’ll provide a showdown explanation of Sankey charts, focusing on their creation and applications.
What is a Sankey Diagram?
A Sankey diagram is a type of flow diagram often used in complex systems where it is essential to show the quantities flowing into, out of, and through a process. It is particularly effective in illustrating the efficiency of such processes, as it visually represents the distribution of resources over time and distance.
In a Sankey diagram, the width of arrows or “flows” represents the quantity passing through a link at any given time, with the sum of flows in any node (the places where links meet) equal to the sum of flows leaving that node. This makes it a visually efficient tool for understanding the dynamics of systems where resources flow through a series of interconnected processes or nodes.
The Art of Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps and can be a complex process:
1. Identify the Data
First and foremost, a Sankey chart requires a clear understanding of your dataset. Identify the key variables to be represented as flows and nodes. This could include energy usage, material consumption, or financial expenditures, among others.
2. Determine the Nodes and Links
Identify the nodes, which act as points of interest where processes occur, and the links, which are the pathways that connect these nodes.
3. Decide on the Scale
Since the width of the flows on a Sankey diagram is directly proportional to their value, you must decide on the scale you will apply. This could be linear (based on absolute numbers) or logarithmic for variable data ranges.
4. Create the Structure
Plan the structure of your Sankey chart. The typical starting point is the central node, from which flows diverge and converge again. Be thoughtful about the order of links and their directions to reflect the flow of your data accurately.
5. Use the Appropriate Tools
There are various software options like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or specialized tools like Gephi and Sankey-MX for creating Sankey diagrams. Each has its own nuances, but the process generally involves inputting your data into the tool, adjusting the parameters, and visualizing the resulting flow chart.
Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey diagrams are incredibly versatile and can be used in various contexts, including:
1. Industry and Manufacturing
In industrial settings, they are used to visualize energy flows, material inputs, and outputs, helping businesses understand where improvements can be made to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment
Sankey diagrams can showcase the flow of resources and waste in processes with the environment, such as a manufacturing plant’s impact assessment.
3. Logistics and Supply Chain
Within logistics, they demonstrate how goods flow through a supply chain, highlighting bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the process.
4. Financial Data
In the financial sector, Sankey charts can illustrate the flow of money between different entities, revealing hidden costs and inefficiencies.
5. Energy Science Research
Energy flow and distribution are often visualized using Sankey charts to track the movement of energy through systems, making them crucial to energy efficiency research and renewable energy analysis.
Conclusion
The Sankey diagram, with its ability to succinctly communicate the energy or resource flow in a process, is a powerful tool in the data visualization arsenal. Whether you’re analyzing industry efficiency, environmental impact, logistics, or finances, Sankey diagrams help reveal the intricate connections and potential optimizations that are often overlooked. The Sankey chart showdown is not about one chart being superior to all others; instead, it’s about understanding when and how to effectively utilize Sankey charts to make data more than just numbers on a page — it’s about turning data into a narrative of flows and connections.
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.
