Sankey diagrams, named after Captain Sankey, who used them to visualize the energy efficiency of steam engines, are an innovative way to visualize the flow and transformation of data. These charts are particularly useful in depicting flows from one set of variables to another, with the width of the arrows representing the relative (or absolute) flow size. In essence, Sankey diagrams are visual representations of flows and transformations in processes or data sets, making them a powerful tool in various fields, including but not limited to, sustainability, environmental management, and data analytics. Here, we explore the creation of Sankey diagrams, how they illustrate data movement and transformation, and look into their various applications.
Understanding Sankey Charts
A Sankey diagram is built around nodes (representing the starting, end, or intermediate values) and arrows (representing the flow between these points). The width of the arrows is proportional to the flow size, making it easy for viewers to perceive trends, patterns, and quantities at a glance. The diagram is typically laid out horizontally, with the source node on one side and the sink on the other, with intermediate nodes and arrows in between.
Creating Sankey Diagrams
Creating a Sankey diagram involves several steps, including data preparation, drawing the chart, and finalizing the design.
-
Data Preparation: The first step is to collect and format the data required for the diagram. This often involves gathering statistics on the flows between different points, such as energy transformations, material flows in supply chains, or data transfers in a network.
-
Designing the Diagram: Once the data is prepared, it’s time to sketch the basic structure of the diagram. Decide where each node should go, and how the arrows should be drawn to connect them. This step is crucial for ensuring that the flow of information in the diagram is intuitive and logical.
-
Finalizing the Visual Design: After the structure is in place, the next step is to finalize the visual design, including the color scheme, arrow width (proportional to the data flow), and labeling of nodes and arrows. It’s important to choose colors that are both visually appealing and easy to distinguish, and to label the diagram clearly and succinctly to help the audience understand the data flow.
Applications of Sankey Diagrams
Sankey diagrams are used across a wide range of fields and applications, including:
-
Environmental Sustainability: They are used to illustrate the efficiency of energy systems, showing how energy is lost from each step of the process.
-
Supply Chains: Sankey diagrams can visualize the flow of materials through a supply chain, highlighting bottlenecks or areas where improvements can be made.
-
Data Analytics: In the field of data analytics, Sankey diagrams can graphically represent the flow of data through a system, showing the size and direction of data transfers.
-
Social Networks: These diagrams can also illustrate the flow of information or influence within social networks, showing how ideas or trends spread through a community.
Conclusion
Sankey diagrams are a powerful visual tool for illustrating data movement and transformation. They provide a clear, concise, and interactive way to represent complex flows and changes. Whether you’re analyzing energy efficiency, examining the flow of materials in a supply chain, or visualizing the spread of ideas in a social network, Sankey diagrams offer a unique perspective that can help uncover hidden patterns and guide decision-making. As data-driven insights become increasingly important in all sectors, the application and popularity of Sankey diagrams are likely to continue growing.
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.
