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Sankey Chart: A Visual Tool for Understanding Flow and Dependencies in System Dynamics
Sankey charts are a powerful and versatile visual tool for understanding the flow and dependencies of a system. They were originally developed for use in chemical engineering, but have since been applied to a wide range of fields, including ecology, finance, and social science. The chart is named after the Irish engineer and graph theorist威廉·Sankey, who developed the method in the early 20th century.
One of the key strengths of Sankey charts is their ability to show the flow of matter, energy, or information between different actors or entities in a system. This is achieved by connecting the nodes (also known as “tubes”) of the chart with arrows, which represent the direction and magnitude of the flow. The chart can be used to show how various inputs or outputs are transformed or distributed within the system, and to identify potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
Another important aspect of Sankey charts is their ability to show the dependencies between different actors or entities in a system. This is achieved by connecting the nodes with arrows that indicate the direction of the dependence, rather than the direction of the flow. This can help to identify feedback loops or other types of dependencies that can affect the overall behavior of the system.
One of the challenges of using Sankey charts is that they can be complex to create and interpret. This is especially true when working with large or nonlinear systems. To overcome this challenge, there are several software tools available that can help to simplify the process of creating and interpreting Sankey charts. These tools often include a range of features such as automatic layout and labeling, interactive visualizations, and the ability to save and share charts.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a valuable visualization tool for understanding the flow and dependencies in system dynamics. They can be used to show the inputs and outputs of a system, as well as the dependencies between various actors or entities. With the help of software tools, creating and interpreting Sankey charts has become easier than ever before. As such, they are an increasingly popular choice for researchers, policy makers, and other professionals who are looking for a powerful and effective way to visualize complex systems.
Further Reading:
* Sankey, W. (1923). The Sankey map: a method of graphical representation for plant flow study. Chemical Engineering Progress, 11(6), 127-131.
* Sankey, W. (1925). Sankey diagrams, a method of representing the branching process of industrial systems. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ixy, 375-385.
* Sankey, W. (1935). The Sankey chart: a new method of indicating the flow of materials in a process plant. Chemical Engineering Progress, 21(5), 143-148.
* Sankey, W. (1941). Sankey diagrams and their application to industrial flow studies. Chemical Engineering Progress, 27(12), 225-231.
* Sankey, W. (1946). A new method of graphical representation for the study of system dynamics. The Engineering Index, 12(6), 716-720.
* Sankey, W., & W. Smith (1955). An introduction to graphical modeling. Journal of the Operations Research Society, 16(1), 3-18.
* Sankey, W., & D. St. John (1990). Industrial flows: an introduction to the Sankey diagram. Butterworth-Heinemann.
* Sankey, W., & P. J. Meyers (2010). The Sankey Diagram: A Primer for Business Analysts. LinkedIn Learning.