Imagine a complex system of energy flows through different processes, such as energy production, use, and recycling. Visualizing these flows and their interconnections is a monumental task: it requires making sense of intricate patterns of input and output, comparing different variables over time, or across different regions, and sometimes dealing with incomplete or uncertain information. That’s where Sankey diagrams come in.
Sankey diagrams, or Sankey charts, a.k.a. Sankey strings—named after British mathematician and economist Bertil Gotfried Sankey—are a unique graphical representation method used to visualize flows in systems. The basic idea is to show the flows of goods, services, or energy through a network of processes, with the width of each path or “string” proportional to the flow rate or amount, thereby providing an excellent visual context for understanding the relations between the inputs and outputs of a process.
Traditionally, such charts were used in cost accounting to demonstrate efficiency gains, but they have since been applied in a range of disciplines such as energy systems, environmental assessment, logistics, and urban planning. They can also represent dataflow within systems like the internet, supply chains, or financial institutions, offering an unparalleled insight into the intricacies of multi-dimensional data.
However, creating engaging and informative Sankey diagrams involves a fair amount of time and effort. Not only does one need a good grasp of the data under scrutiny and an effective presentation strategy, but also the right software tools are needed to construct and refine these diagrams.
This article attempts to unravel the concept of Sankey chart creation and applications. It provides a comprehensive introduction to Sankey charts, their history, conceptual development, and visual representation. We will explain how to create these charts using some of the practical tools available today, including Google’s Sankey chart tool, which is user-friendly and provides customizable options for creating and presenting powerful data narratives.
Moreover, we will walk through the process of developing such visual data narratives, discussing the implications of which type of data to use, the choice of node positioning, path width, color coding, and labelling strategies. We will cover the importance of ensuring accuracy while presenting simplified Sankey diagrams, alongside practical tips to effectively convey storylines from the data. Finally, we will examine several case studies that have successfully used Sankey diagrams to narrate compelling stories.
Through this exploration, the aim is to demystify the methodology and practice of visual data narrative with the aid of Sankey charts. It is crucial to recognize that these diagrams are not only a tool for data visualizers but also a language that communicates complex information to a non-specialized public in an accessible format.
Overall, the objective of this article is to guide the reader through the process of creating and utilizing Sankey diagrams to better understand complex systems and their interactions, providing a fresh approach to the presentation and interpretation of data. As we shall see, sometimes it’s the way we tell the story that changes the outcome of how we perceive it.
In conclusion, Sankey diagrams offer a powerful, visual tool to help us unravel the complex narratives of modern data. With their simplicity and elegance, they allow us to see patterns, make predictions, and reveal insights. So, let’s begin this journey through the intricate world of Sankey and discover the art of turning data into compelling visual stories that everyone can understand.
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.
