Streamlining Storytelling: The Art of Interpreting Sankey Charts
In the intricate world of data visualization, Sankey charts have emerged as an elegant tool for depicting and explaining complex process flows and energy transfer. This article explores the art of Sankey charts, exploring the process of creation, applications, and the unique opportunities they offer for streamlining storytelling in a vast array of industries.
What Are Sankey Charts?
Sankey diagrams, also known as Sankey flow charts or flow diagrams, are a type of flow diagram used to track the quantity of material, energy, or cost through a process. The diagrams feature arrows that show the quantity of flow from one process step to another. Notably, these arrows are usually wider at the intake and narrower at the output, in proportion to the quantity of flow.
The diagrams were developed by English engineer WilliamPlayfair in the 1860s and were named after English physicist and engineer, Mark Sankey, who popularized their use at the end of the 19th century. Sankey charts are particularly useful in fields where the flow of materials or energy can be difficult to follow using conventional charts, such as in process engineering, energy, transportation, or even in information and product flows.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps:
1. Defining the Process
The first step is to clearly define the process you want to depict, along with all the elements involved. Identify the input and output points, the steps in between, and the direction of flow.
2. Establishing Units
Since Sankey diagrams track quantities, it’s important to establish the appropriate units for the flow. This might be energy in kilowatt-hours, materials in kilograms, or money in dollars.
3. Setting Up the Software
Several software programs can generate Sankey diagrams, including Microsoft Visio, Adobe Illustrator, and dedicated tools such as Sankey Diagrams by Siemens, Sankey Canvas, or the open-source tool Gephi. Choose the tool that best suits your needs and becomes familiar with its specific features.
4. Mapping Flows
Begin by mapping the input and output flows. Draw broad arrows to represent high flows, and narrow arrows for lower flows, maintaining a scale that accurately represents the actual data and keeps the diagram readable.
5. Refining and Adding Details
As you work on the diagram, add details like labels, descriptions, and color-coding to enhance understanding. Ensure that all elements align logically and that the overall design balances between clarity and complexity.
Applications of Sankey Charts
1. Energy Flow Analysis
In energy systems, Sankey diagrams are invaluable for visualizing how energy is distributed and used. They help organizations identify inefficiencies and optimize energy use.
2. Process Optimization
For industrial processes, Sankey charts reveal bottlenecks and highlight areas requiring improvement. By demonstrating where material or energy loss occurs, they guide continuous improvement efforts.
3. Emissions Reporting
Sankey diagrams are effective tools for reporting emissions, showcasing the origins of pollutants in an environmental, visual form, and providing a clear narrative for policy decisions.
4. Urban Planning and Transportation
Urban planners and transportation analysts use Sankey charts to model traffic flow, public transport systems, and the efficiency of the overall transportation network.
5. Information Systems
In information technology, Sankey charts can be used to monitor and visualize the flow of data through an IT infrastructure, helping to ensure that system resources are being used efficiently.
The Art of Storytelling with Sankey Charts
The true power of Sankey diagrams lies not in their technical prowess, but in their ability to tell a compelling story. When creating Sankey charts, one should:
- Focus on the Key Message: Ensure the chart highlights the message you want to convey, keeping it concise and relevant.
- Be Strategic with Design: Use color, labels, and layout creatively to make the most compelling and visually-pleasing representation of the data.
- Start with a Narrative: Before laying out your Sankey diagram, draft a narrative explaining what the data represents, its significance, and its implications.
By distilling complex data into an easily digestible format, Sankey charts enable us to understand complexity through narrative. They are a vital tool in the data storyteller’s arsenal, allowing us to tell stories beyond words and numbers, through the visual flow of ideas and systems.
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