Streamlined Stories: The Art of Sankey Chart Narratives
In an era where data visualization is king, the Sankey chart—a flow-oriented tool that depicts the magnitude of flows within a system—stands out as a powerful medium to tell stories of complex processes. Sankey diagrams are unique in their ability to capture the essence of systems and processes by showing the quantity and direction of flow of energy, materials, or products through various transformations.
The Creation of Sankey Charts
Sankey diagrams were developed by German engineer Dr. Martin Sankey in the early 19th century to visualize energy flow in steam engines. Now, due to their versatile nature, they are used across a variety of fields to represent numerous types of flows—financial, environmental, biological, and more.
Creating a Sankey chart involves the following steps:
1. Define the System
Identify what you want to represent—the input, process steps, and output of the system.
2. Gather Data
Collect comprehensive data related to the system. This could include the amount of material, flow rate, or any other relevant quantitative measure.
3. Choose the Right Software or Plotting Tool
Selecting the right software or tool is crucial for effective Sankey chart creation. Many options are available, but popular ones include Excel, Omnigraffle, Python’s matplotlib and plotly libraries, and dedicated Sankey diagram software like Sankey Flow.
4. Plot Nodes and Arrows
The nodes represent the steps in the process, and the arrows denote the flow of material, energy, or products. Be sure to orient the arrows to show the direction of flow clearly.
5. Balance the Nodes
The length of the arrows is proportional to the flow rate; the taller the chart, the greater the flow rate. Ensure that the chart balances, meaning the inputs and outputs are equal.
6. Customize Your Chart
Add labels, titles, and color-coding to enhance the clarity and aesthetic of the chart.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey diagrams have found applications in countless areas, including:
Environmental Science
Sankey diagrams can illustrate how energy is transferred or wasted within a system, such as a chemical plant or a power grid. They are particularly useful for energy analysis and carbon footprint studies.
Data Science
In data science, Sankey diagrams help to understand the flow of data through a process or an algorithm, offering insights into the system’s efficiency and bottlenecks.
Finance
They can illustrate money flows, such as investments, expenses, or revenue streams in a business or a financial institution.
Urban Studies
Sankey charts can visualize traffic flows within a city, showing where commuters are headed and how they distribute along different routes.
Manufacturing and Logistics
In these fields, they help in understanding material flow and waste management within facilities.
The Art of Data Storytelling with Sankey Diagrams
While the creation of Sankey diagrams is rooted in data science, the art of storytelling lies in how these charts visually communicate information.
Simplify Complexity
A well-crafted Sankey diagram simplifies complex systems, making it easier for both experts and non-experts to understand the nuances and interactions within the system.
Highlight Trends
Through their emphasis on magnitude and flow, Sankey charts can highlight not just which processes are largest relative to each other, but also trends such as an increase or decrease over time.
Focus on Relationships
They help identify relationships between steps or components in a system, allowing for the highlighting of critical areas that require attention or optimization.
Engage the Audience
Visual storytelling makes the abstract concrete. By turning data into a narrative with Sankey diagrams, you can engage the audience and make vital points stick.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are not just a tool for depicting the flow of materials, energy, or products—they are a medium through which we can weave compelling narratives that tell stories of complex systems. To wield the art of Sankey chart storytelling, one must be a connoisseur of visual design, a guardian of information clarity, and an artist in the craft of engaging the intellect and heart of the audience. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the Sankey chart remains a vital ally in our quest to understand the stories that flow through our systems, ultimately leading to better decisions and more effective collaborations.
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.
