Sankey diagrams, known as Sankey flowcharts, are a powerful graphical tool for representing flows of various quantities. These diagrams have been used in various fields, including energy systems, economics, water and material flows, and more. The first mention of a Sankey diagram came in 1898 by John Strutt, the 3rd Lord Rayleigh, in his work on the distribution of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum from the sun. Despite their widespread use, not many people are familiar with the in-depth creation and applications of Sankey diagrams.

Creating Sankey Charts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a Sankey diagram involves several steps, which can be done either manually or through software applications.

1. Identify the Flows: The first step is to identify the inputs and outputs of the system you’re analyzing. For example, if you’re looking at the energy consumption of a building, your inputs and outputs might include wind energy, solar energy, and electricity consumption.

2. Determine the Scale: Understanding the scale helps in plotting the data accurately. If you’re looking at percentage changes in energy consumption, a scale of 0% to 100% might suffice. However, if you’re measuring in kilowatt-hours, a different scale will be necessary.

3. Collect the Data: Gathering accurate data is crucial. This step involves collecting data on how much of each input is converted into each output. For example, how much solar energy is converted into electricity, or how much electricity is used for the heating system.

4. Plotting the Data:
– Manual: If doing it manually, start by drawing the Sankey diagram on paper. Measurements need to be precise.
– Software: Using software tools, input your data directly. Several software packages and statistical packages (like R and Python) offer Sankey diagram creation as part of their functionalities.

5. Fine-Tuning: Adjust the lengths of the arrows or the widths of the blocks to help the reader understand the proportions. It’s important to make the diagram visually appealing while maintaining clarity.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams are incredibly useful across various fields due to their ability to quickly visualize complex flows of data.

• Energy Assessment: Sankey diagrams are commonly used to analyze energy flows within buildings, energy systems, and entire countries. They help in identifying inefficiencies and suggesting solutions to improve energy efficiency.

• Economics and Finance: They can be used to visualize financial flows, money laundering analysis, or the economic footprint of a company.

• Product Lifecycle Analysis: These diagrams are used to map the flow of materials through all stages of a product’s life cycle, from extraction to processing, manufacturing, distribution, and disposal.

• Water Flow: In the context of water distribution systems, they help in understanding where water is lost or wasted.

• Data Visualization in Research and Education: They are a valuable tool for researchers and educators for illustrating complex concepts in science, engineering, and economics.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams are an excellent way to understand and communicate complex data flows. The process of creating them may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and practice, anyone can become proficient in making them. Their applications span across industries and academic fields, making them a versatile and powerful visualization tool. As data analysis becomes more integral to our daily lives, understanding and using Sankey diagrams will only become more valuable.

SankeyMaster

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