Sankey charts are a visual tool used to represent flows and distributions of quantities, such as energy, materials, or data. By mapping these flows in a clear and visually appealing manner, Sankey charts can help us to understand complex systems and identify patterns and relationships that might otherwise be difficult to grasp.
In this article, we will explore the power of Sankey charts through a journey of creation and application. We will cover the basics of Sankey chart creation, including how to design your chart and what data input is required. We will also delve into the various applications of Sankey charts and provide some practical tips for creating effective visualizations.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, including designing your chart, inputting data, and customizing your visualization.

1. Designing your chart:
   When designing your Sankey chart, it is important to consider the purpose of your visualization and the audience you are presenting it to. Think about the key variables you want to represent and how they relate to each other. You should also consider the layout and color scheme of your chart, as these can help to make your visualization more visually appealing and easier to understand.
   When designing your chart, you will need to input data that includes quantities and categories. Typically, your data will be organized into rows and columns, with each row representing a different source or sink of a particular quantity. Each column will represent a different category or flow of that quantity.
   For example, if you were creating a Sankey chart to represent the distribution of energy usage in a building, your data might look something like this:
   | Source/Cat | Lighting | HVAC | Appliances | Other |
   | — | — | — | — | — |
   | Electricity | 20% | 30% | 25% | 25% |

2. Inputting data:
   Once you have your data organized, you can input it into your Sankey chart software. When inputting data, it is important to make sure that your data is formatted correctly. This will typically involve creating a data table with your data organized into columns for each variable.
   For example, in our example above, you might input the data as follows:

| Source/Cat | Value |
| — | — |
| Lighting | 20 |
| HVAC | 30 |
| Appliances | 25 |
| Other | 25 |

3. Customizing your visualization:
   Once you have inputted your data, you can customize your Sankey chart to make it more visually appealing and easier to understand. Some common customizations include changing the color scheme, adding labels, and adjusting the layout of your chart.
   For example, you might want to change the color scheme of your Sankey chart to match your brand or make certain flows stand out more clearly. Adding labels to your chart can also help to provide context and make it easier for your audience to understand your visualization. Finally, adjusting the layout of your chart can help to make it more visually appealing and easier to read.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are versatile tools that can be used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Energy flows:
   Energy flows are one of the most common uses for Sankey charts. This type of chart can help to visualize the distribution of energy usage in a building, the energy consumption of a particular process, or the flow of energy across different geographic regions.
   For example, a Sankey chart can be used to show the flow of energy from renewable sources (such as solar or wind) to different uses within a building, such as lighting, heating, and cooling.

2. Material flows:
   Material flows can also be represented using Sankey charts. This type of chart can help to visualize the flow of materials through a manufacturing process or the flow of waste materials through a supply chain.
   For example, a Sankey chart could be used to show the flow of raw materials from a supplier to a manufacturer, the flow of partially processed materials through the manufacturing process, and the flow of final products to the customer. It could also show the flow of waste materials from the manufacturing process to waste management facilities.

3. Data flows:
   Data flows can be represented using Sankey charts as well. This type of chart can help to visualize the flow of data within a system, such as a web application or a database.
   For example, a Sankey chart could be used to show the flow of data from a web server to a client computer, the flow of data between different databases within a larger system, or the flow of data through a data processing pipeline.

Practical Tips for Creating Effective Sankey Charts
To create a clear and effective Sankey chart, here are some practical tips to consider:

1. Start with a clear purpose and audience:
   Before creating your Sankey chart, make sure you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your visualization and the audience you are presenting it to. This will help you to design

and input your data in a way that is relevant and meaningful to your audience.

2. Use a consistent color scheme:
   Use a consistent color scheme to make your Sankey chart more visually appealing and easier to read. It is important to choose colors that are distinct but also complementary so that the different variables stand out clearly.

3. Label your chart clearly:
   Labels are an essential element of any Sankey chart. Make sure that your labels are清晰, concise, and easy to read. This will help your audience to understand the key variables in your visualization and the flow of quantities that you are representing.

4. Adjust the layout accordingly:
   The layout of a Sankey chart is also important. Make sure that your chart has enough space to show the flow of quantities clearly. You may need to adjust the width and height of your chart to ensure that everything fits properly.

5. Use interactive features:
   Many Sankey chart tools offer interactive features, such as hovering over a specific flow to see more detailed information or clicking on a particular category to see more data. Utilizing these interactive features can help to make your Sankey chart more engaging and informative.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flows and distributions of quantities. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create clear and effective Sankey charts that help you to understand complex systems and communicate your insights to others.

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.