Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for mapping and uncovering insights in the flow of data. These dynamic and engaging charts are particularly effective for visualizing complex data sets and illustrating the relationships and movements between different data points. In this article, we’ll explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, and delve into why they are a valuable tool in data visualization.

What are Sankey charts?

Sankey charts, named after Scottish engineer and inventor Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, are a type of flow chart that visually represents the distribution and movement of data between different points or nodes. These charts are essentially a special type of nodes-and-links diagram, where the width of each link represents the volume or magnitude of the flow between the nodes.
Sankey charts are widely used in various industries, including energy, finance, economics, and social sciences, to visualize flows and distributions of resources, materials, and data. These charts are commonly used to highlight patterns, trends, and relationships in the data, making complex information easier to understand.

Key components of Sankey charts

Sankey charts consist of key components that work together to represent the data flow:
1. Nodes: These are the data points or categories that the flow is happening between. Nodes can represent physical locations, companies, industries, or any other entity that has a connection.
2. Links or Edges: These are the lines or arrows that connect the nodes and show the flow of data. The width of each link indicates the magnitude of the flow, with wider links representing larger volumes of data.
3. Labels and Colors: Text labels and colors are used to distinguish between different flows and highlight various features of the data. Color can be used to encode additional information, such as the source or destination of the flow, its importance, or direction.

Creating Sankey charts

There are multiple tools available for creating Sankey charts, both free and paid. Here are a few popular options:

1. Microsoft Excel

• Sankey Analysis ToolPak: This add-in allows you to create Sankey charts directly in Excel. It is user-friendly and suitable for beginners.

2. Tableau

• Pre-built Sankey chart visualization: Tableau offers a variety of visualization options, including pre-built Sankey charts. It is highly customizable and ideal for users with intermediate to advanced skills.

3. Power BI

• Sankey visual: Microsoft’s Power BI also provides a Sankey visual that allows for easy creation and customization of Sankey charts within PowerPoint presentations and reports.

4. Plotly

• Interactive Sankey charts: Plotly offers the capability to create interactive Sankey charts using their JavaScript library. These charts are perfect for web-based applications.

5. R and Python libraries

• ggplot2 and Plotly: In R, you can use the ggplot2 library to create Sankey charts, while in Python, libraries such as Plotly and NetworkX can be used.

To create a Sankey chart, you typically need to follow these steps:
1. Gather data: Collect the essential data points, such as node labels, data flows, and their corresponding volumes or magnitudes.
2. Prepare data: Organize the data in a suitable format, ensuring that the data points are correctly aligned and the volumes are accurately represented.
3. Select tool: Choose a visualization tool based on your skill level and the specific requirements of your project.
4. Configure the chart: Set up the chart by specifying the nodes, links, labels, and color schemes to represent the data flow effectively.
5. Analyze the chart: Examine the chart to identify patterns, trends, and relationships in the data, and use this information to make informed decisions or draw insights.

Applications of Sankey charts

Sankey charts find use in multiple fields where understanding the flow of resources, data, or processes is crucial. Here are some common applications:

1. Energy usage

• Renewable energy flows: Visualize the distribution and consumption of renewable energy resources.

• Energy production: Analyze the flows of energy production between different sources and sinks.

  2. Supply chain analysis

• Supply chain visualization: Illustrate the flow of goods and materials through a supply chain.

• Logistics and transportation: Understand the distribution networks and potential bottlenecks.

  3. Economic data

• Trade flows: Display the movement of goods and services between countries.

• Industry analysis: Visualize the relationships and flows between different sectors in an economy.

  4. Social sciences

• Social behavior: Analyze the connections and relationships between individuals or groups in social networks.

• Information flow: Understand the flow of information in various contexts, such as online social media platforms or communication networks.

5. Data science

• Data flow in algorithms: Illustrate the flow of input and output data in machine learning algorithms or data processing pipelines.
• Information architecture: Analyze the structure and relationships within complex data systems.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are an invaluable tool for gaining insights into the flow of information, materials, or resources. Their ability to visually represent complex relationships and movements in data makes them a popular choice across various industries and fields. By mastering the creation of Sankey charts, you can enhance your data analysis skills and uncover valuable insights to support decision-making processes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced data analyst, incorporating Sankey charts into your visualization toolkit can significantly enhance your ability to communicate and interpret data effectively.

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