Flowing Facts: Unraveling Data With Sankey Charts

In the world of data visualization, Sankey charts have emerged as a powerful tool for presenting complex datasets in a clear and visually engaging manner. Named after their inventor, Sankey diagrams are a variation of flow charts, particularly useful for displaying flows of energy, material, information, cost, or other quantities from one process to another. This article delves into the creation of Sankey charts, their applications, and how they can serve as a powerful data-driven communication tool.

Understanding Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams are constructed from a series of bars that are anchored to nodes (usually located at the left and right ends of the diagram), connected to one another by thin, often colored, links (or pipes). The width of the pipe or link in these diagrams represents the quantity of flow. A visual indication of change is also possible through color, with lighter or darker shades reflecting increased or decreased flow.

The complexity of these types of charts is often minimal, with the exception of custom coding requirements. Even raw data entry can be done with minimal programming skills. For those who do not wish to get hands-on with coding, there are myriad online visualization tools and plugins available that simplify the process of creating a Sankey diagram from scratch. Tools such as Tableau, Plotly, and PowerBI all have features that allow for the creation of Sankey diagrams through a simple drag-and-drop interface.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams are not just a data visualization trend; they are a versatile tool with a wide range of applications across various industries and research domains. Here are some of their most common uses:

1. Energy Flow Analysis

In the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, Sankey diagrams are used to represent the distribution and flow of energy across a complex system. For example, they can depict how energy sources are consumed in a building or throughout an industrial process.

2. Financial Transactions

Sankey diagrams are also useful in the financial sector, where they can represent the flow of money between different accounts, investment flows, financial loans, and interest payments.

3. Marketing & Customer Journey Analysis

In marketing, these charts are used to visualize the flow of customers through various stages of a marketing funnel, from awareness to conversion. They can also show the sources of leads and the steps of the sales process.

4. Supply Chain Analysis

Sankey diagrams are perfect for analyzing complex supply chains, showing the flow of materials, costs, and information from raw materials through to the finished product.

5. Data Flow Modeling

In software engineering and information systems, Sankey diagrams help in understanding the flow of data through processing systems, from data input to output.

Creating Your Own Sankey Diagram

Creating a Sankey chart is surprisingly straightforward, even for those with no background in coding. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Gather Data: Start by collecting your data. Organize your data in a clean table format, with each item classified by its source and destination.

2. Choose a Tool: Select an online tool or software to create your Sankey chart. Many popular data visualization platforms offer Sankey diagramming features.

3. Customization: Adjust the colors, labels, and fonts according to your preferences and the context of your data. Tools like Tableau allow for easy customization and filtering.

4. Visualize: Input your data into the tool, and let the software do the rest. Adjust the flow width to reflect proportions or quantities, and customize further.

5. Present & Analyze: Now you can present your Sankey chart to stakeholders or for personal analysis. Use it to identify patterns and underlying trends in your data.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams offer a unique way to understand complex data flows. Their flexibility and visual clarity make them a go-to tool for a wide array of applications across different fields. By understanding how to create and interpret Sankey diagrams, you’ll be better equipped to present complex data in a way that is easy to understand and analyze. As data visualization continues to evolve, Sankey diagrams remain a foundational tool for effectively communicating the flow in your data.

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.