The River of Data: Decoding Dynamics with Sankey Suggestive Stories
In the ever-evolving world of data visualization, one particular form of chart has emerged as a beacon of clarity in an otherwise abstract ocean of information. The Sankey chart, reminiscent of the flow of water in a river, elegantly illustrates the relationships between different components of a system, the dynamics of resource flows, and the balance of energy exchange. This article takes a deep dive into the process of creating Sankey charts, their expansive applications, and how they act as suggestive stories of our data’s dynamics.
Discovering theSankey Chart
Originating in the early 20th century, Sankey charts were named after English mechanical engineer, William Playfair, who devised a simplified form known as ‘Energy Flowcharts’. The Sankey chart became more refined under the hands of German engineer, Johannes Karl Sankey, in the mid-1890s. He innovated the chart for the visualization of plant and material flows, which quickly found their way into various scientific, economic, and environmental studies.
Crafting Sankey Stories
Defining the Purpose
Before diving into the visual creation, it is crucial to understand why you are creating a Sankey chart and what story it should tell. Identify the key entities, the flows, and what aspects of these flows are most critical to analyze.
Choosing the Dataset
Once the narrative is clear, compile the data that will be used to build the chart. Data might include energy usage, material flows, financial transactions, or even social interactions. The dataset should be structured in a way that makes it possible to map flows between different entities.
Planning the Chart Layout
Start with a horizontal or vertical axis to define the direction of flow. Depending on the story you want to tell, decide if the chart will be a single stage process or multi-stage, and map out the paths for the flows, commonly referred to as ‘arcs’.
Calculating Flow Width
The width of the arcs represents the magnitude of the flow, with thicker lines signifying larger values. Keep in mind that while this aspect represents the strength of a particular stream of activity, it is not to scale—it’s more about visualization than precise measurement.
Maintaining Balance and Efficiency
It’s imperative to balance the efficiency of the narrative without cluttering the chart. Each element in the Sankey chart must convey meaning, with unnecessary decorative elements minimized.
The Beauty of Application
Sankey charts are highly versatile and find their way into various disciplines due to their unique visual properties:
Energy Generation
In power plants, they show the conversion of inputs (fossil fuels, solar, nuclear) into electrical energy and waste products.
Financial Flows
In the finance industry, they map out investor returns and funding, revealing potential inefficiencies or sources of profit.
Social Networks
In social sciences, Sankey charts illustrate patterns of interaction and information flow among individuals or groups.
Food Systems
For environmental impacts, Sankey charts can track the flow of nutrients and calories within alimentary chains.
Urban Planning
In urban development, they depict the distribution of traffic flow and transportation efficiency.
Closing Thoughts
The River of Data, as Sankeys are often called, is more than just a chart; it is an intricate, visual poem interpreting the dance of interactions and conversions within complex systems. When well-crafted, a Sankey chart becomes an inviting window into the nuanced dynamics of these systems, inviting viewers into a richer understanding.
Creating a Sankey chart requires a nuanced understanding of the data’s context, its patterns, and the story it needs to tell. By focusing on the essentials and using the visual power of arc widths to convey the information, creators can guide their audience on a journey through the River of Data, decoding and understanding the complex world around us through suggestive and insightful stories.
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