Flowing Insights: Unveil the Hidden Power of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams, a graphical aid to represent quantitative information, have long been a staple in the field of data visualization. Yet, their true potential eludes many, as these charts are not as familiar or commonly used as, say, bar graphs or pie charts. However, delve deeper into the world of Sankey diagrams, and you will uncover a treasure trove of insightful information that can illuminate complex systems, processes, and data in a manner that is both lucid and visually captivating.

Understanding Sankey Diagrams

At first glance, a Sankey diagram might remind you of a flowchart or a network diagram. Unlike those, however, a Sankey diagram uses width to represent flow quantities. This unique characteristic of Sankey diagrams allows them to display data flow from multiple input sources through a process to various output destinations. The width, or thickness, of the flow lines increases as it progresses through the stages of the system, conveying the quantity and magnitude changes as resources or data move between stages.

Elements of a Sankey Diagram

Nodes: Represent the starting points, processing stages (where data is modified), and endpoints of the flow.
Flows: These are the lines that symbolize the movement of data or material. The thickness of the lines increases to show the total flow, changes along the way, and the destination flow.
Labels: These provide important context to the diagram. They indicate the origin and destination nodes, the labels of each stage, and the quantity of the inputs and outputs at each stage.

Creating a Sankey Diagram

Creating a Sankey diagram doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are numerous tools available, both online and as software, that simplify the process. Here’s a simple guide to creating your first Sankey diagram:

Data Collection: Gather your data in a spreadsheet or database. Generally, you’ll need a starting point, a series of processing stages, and an end point, along with the quantities that flow through each stage.
Choose a Tool: Select a tool to help you create your Sankey diagram. Tools like Tableau, Python libraries such as Plotly or Bokeh, and online tools like Venngage or Piktochart can be incredibly useful.
Input Your Data: Input your data into the tool of your choice. For Sankey diagrams, ensure you structure your data correctly, usually in a tabular format representing each stage of your process and the quantities moving through each.
Design and Format: With your data entered, adjust the design to suit your needs. This includes colors, line thickness, node labels, and overall layout. Adjustments might be needed in subsequent steps as you refine your data or concept.
Review and Refine: Before finalizing, carefully review your diagram for clarity and accuracy. Sankey diagrams are particularly effective when they can clearly communicate complex systems or processes. Feedback from others can be invaluable.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams are not solely confined to data visualization. Their ability to convey multiple flows between a variety of sources and destinations makes them incredibly versatile in a wide range of applications:

Energy Flow Visualization: Showing energy sources, energy transformation processes, and consumption in a single diagram, thereby providing insights into efficiency and resource consumption.
Waste Management and Recycling: They highlight the flows of material and energy involved in recycling, sorting, and the disposal process, offering valuable insights into resource distribution and waste management strategies.
Economic Flows: Showing the flow of money between different sectors of an economy or the flow of investment to understand economic conditions.
Science and Environmental Impact Assessment: Used in research studies to demonstrate the environmental impacts of new technologies or processes, including carbon footprints, by helping to identify the sources of emissions and the pathways they take.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool in the arsenal of data visualizers and analysts. By utilizing this unique method of visualizing flow, individuals and organizations can gain insights into complex systems that were previously hidden or difficult to comprehend. Whether in a professional setting or to understand global processes, Sankey diagrams offer a clear, visual language to communicate otherwise abstract data. With a bit of practice, everyone can become a fluent speaker in this language of flow, unlocking the hidden power of Sankey diagrams to uncover the secrets behind the 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.