Flowchart Genius: How Sankey Charts Reveal the Streams of Our Lives

Sankey diagrams are a versatile and engaging way to visualize the flow and distribution of data across different systems or processes. Much like the flowchart, which traces out a process step by step, the Sankey chart illustrates the distribution of information between categories in a more dynamic and intuitive way. These charts are not only visually appealing but also highly informative, making them a valuable tool in a wide range of applications across industries.

Creating a Sankey Diagram

Crafting a Sankey diagram involves several steps, but the process can help individuals to better understand their data and its underlying patterns. Here’s a simplified guide to creating your own Sankey diagram:

Data Preparation: Start by organizing your data into a clear and consistent format. Data should include quantities flowing from one set of “nodes” to another. Nodes are the points where data enters and exits the system being modeled.
Calculating Percentages: To ensure that your Sankey diagram accurately represents your data, calculate the percentage of each flow relative to the total flow out of its source node. This helps in representing the relative importance of each flow.
Determining the Width of Branches: The width of each branch is determined by the value of its flow. Typically, the width is a function of the flow value that is normalized to fit within the space available on the chart.
Organizing the Nodes and Flows: Place your nodes in the desired order. Arrange the flows so that they are easy to follow and minimize clutter.
Creating the Chart: This can be done manually using software like Adobe Illustrator or can be automated using statistical software like R or Python, where various libraries offer built-in support for Sankey diagram creation.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams are used across various fields for a multitude of purposes:

Energy Flow Analysis: In the context of energy systems, Sankey diagrams help stakeholders to understand the distribution and flows of energy as it is transformed and used across different aspects of our lives, from residential buildings to cities and industries.
Stock and Flow Analysis: In the field of project management, Sankey diagrams are used to depict the flow of data, resources, or money over time. This visual representation helps in understanding the bottlenecks or lag points in the project’s progress.
Eco-Inventory and Footprint Analysis: For individuals and companies seeking to understand their carbon or environmental footprint, Sankey diagrams can highlight the sources and channels through which resources are consumed, helping in identifying areas for improvement.
Economic Models: Economists use Sankey diagrams to visualize the flow of goods, services, and money between sectors of the economy, providing insights into economic growth and efficiency.
Waste Management and Recycling: These diagrams are invaluable tools for analyzing the efficiency of recycling and waste management systems, showing the flow of waste from sources to treatment and disposal sites or recovery facilities.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool for visualizing complex flows and distributions, making them a must-have for anyone looking to understand data in a deeper, more visual way. Whether it’s in finance, environmental science, or project management, these diagrams offer a wealth of insights that can lead to informed decisions and strategies. As with any data visualization technique, the key to a successful Sankey diagram lies in accurately representing the data in a way that is easy to understand and interpretable.

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.