Flowing Through: A Deep Dive into the Art of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams, named after John Sankey in 1918, are an incredibly versatile and visually appealing tool for presenting data. These diagrams depict flows from one process to another, and the width of the ‘arrows’ or flows is proportional to the flow rate. In essence, Sankey charts are a bridge between data visualization and engineering diagrams, making them not only aesthetically appealing but also incredibly useful for communicating complex systems and processes in an intuitive manner.

The Creation Process of a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart requires careful thought and attention to detail. The process begins by defining the inputs and outputs of the system you’re trying to visualize. Then, you need to determine the flow rates between each point in the system. These flow rates are what determine the width of each bar in the chart. Once you have both your inputs and outputs, as well as the flow rates, you can start to organize your data into a table that will become the backbone of your Sankey chart.

The next step is to choose a software or programming language to help you create your diagram. There are several options available, from simple online tools to more complex software like Tableau or powerful programming languages like Python and R with their respective packages (e.g., Python’s matplotlib or R’s ggplot2). Each option has its own strengths and is suitable for different levels of expertise and the complexity of the data being visualized.

The Application of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are incredibly versatile in their applications, making them a popular choice for a wide range of fields. Here are some of the most common applications:

Energy Transfers: Energy supply and transfer systems are a classic use case for Sankey diagrams. They clearly illustrate the various sources of energy, the losses along the way, and the final destinations.
Water Flows: Understanding the flow of water from its source to where it ends up, including the processes it undergoes, can be neatly represented using Sankey charts.
Data Analytics: Data flows within a system, such as information passing through different stages of analysis, can be visualized easily with Sankey diagrams.
Inventory Management: Companies use Sankey charts to track the flow of inventory from their sources to the final product or end consumer.
Public Health: Sankey diagrams can help in illustrating the lifecycle of infectious diseases, including modes of transmission, and the effectiveness of various interventions.
Renewable Energy: For renewable energy projects, Sankey charts can show the efficiency of energy recovery in different steps of the production process.
Chemical Processes: These diagrams are perfect for visualizing the flow of chemicals through various processes, highlighting the efficiency of each step in the production process.
Environmental Studies: They are commonly used to assess the environmental impact of a certain process or product, showing how materials flow throughout.

Tips for Effective Use

To make the most out of Sankey charts, it’s important to ensure they’re not only visually appealing but also serve their communication purpose effectively. This involves:

Labeling Clearly: Ensure all items are clearly labeled, making it easier for the viewer to understand the flow and the purpose of the system being visualized.
Using Color Wisely: Colored flows can make it easier to quickly identify important flows or flows that carry certain types of information.
Maintaining Clarity: Keep the chart simple, focusing on what needs to be communicated. A cluttered diagram will be confusing and detract from its effectiveness.

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that, when used correctly, can provide deep insights into complex systems. By carefully choosing the right visuals and ensuring they serve their purpose, Sankey diagrams can be an invaluable asset in any field where flow data needs to be communicated effectively.

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.