In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by systems in which resources are moved from one place to another. From the flow of water to the energy we use, from the food we eat to the waste we produce, every day people are using different forms of energy and resources to sustain their lives. However, a common challenge is to understand how these resources fit together and how they interact with each other. This is where the interactive Sankey chart comes into play.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is a graphical representation of the flows of resources in a system. It is composed of a series of interconnected lines, each carrying a specific quantity of a resource. These lines are arranged in a way that highlights the flow of resources and how they interact with each other. The basic structure of a Sankey chart consists of two layers: the top layer or outer layer represents the source and destination points, while the bottom layer or inner layer represents the flow of resources from one point to another.
How does a Sankey chart work?
The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to identify the resources that are involved in the process. These resources could be water, air, sunlight, energy, or any other resource that is essential for sustaining life. Next, you need to identify the points where resources flow into and exit the system, and assign a numerical value to each resource. You could calculate the quantity of resources needed for a specific task or use a common symbol such as water to represent all resources.
The next step is to arrange the resources in a way that reveals how they interact and flow with each other. You can use lines to represent the flow of resources and shade them according to their intensity or weight. This helps to illustrate the flow of resources and how they affect the whole system.
Interactive Sankey charts
An interactive Sankey chart makes it easy to see the flow of resources at a glance. With a touch of a finger on the screen or a mouse click, you can move between various layers of the chart and explore the system in greater detail. You can zoom in and out, select different resources, and even plot different routes for different flows of resources.
There are many applications for interactive Sankey charts in everyday life. In healthcare, doctors use them to display detailed information on the flow of resources in a patient’s body, from waste to medications. In construction, they help architects visualize the flow of resources in a building project, from building material to electricity. And in energy management, they allow utilities to visualize the flow of energy from electricity generation to distribution, from houses to power grids.
However, interactive Sankey charts also come with their own challenges. Firstly, setting up the charts accurately and comprehensively can be time-consuming and difficult. Secondly, they can be more complex to interpret, especially for people who are not familiar with the terminology used to describe resources such as flows, flows, flows, and intensities.
In conclusion, interactive Sankey charts are a powerful tool for understanding and visualizing the flow of resources in everyday life. By providing us with a clear and concise representation of resource flows, they help us to identify the flow of resources and how they interact with each other. With their many applications in healthcare, construction, and energy management, interactive Sankey charts are an essential tool for sustainable resource management.

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.