Introduction:
For decades, Sankey diagrams have been a powerful graphical tool used to explain complex systems with ease. These intricate flow diagrams represent intricate relationships of data in a visually intuitive way. This article will guide you through the power of Sankey charts, their historical background, creation, and its various applications today. Let’s delve into the journey through Sankey charts, a journey that unlocks the secrets of information flow in a visually clear and compelling manner.
Historical Background:
In the late 1850s, Sir Rowland Hill, a British government official, developed the Sankey diagram to visualize the UK’s telegraph communication network. Sankey diagrams gained the name ‘Sankey’ after Hill’s address, ‘Sankey House’, in Liverpool. Over the years, the concept expanded, and sankey diagrams became a crucial tool for data analysis, environmental mapping, public health studies, and more.
Understanding the ‘Flow’:
What sets Sankey diagrams apart from other graphical data representations is the concept of ‘flow’. It illustrates the quantity and direction of movement in a system. The wider the bands, the more significant the flow. This makes it easy to identify major contributors to the system and understand the distribution of information or resources.
Creating Sankey Charts:
Creating a Sankey chart can be a straightforward process when using easy to use tools like Sankey-diagrams.co, or Python libraries such as Holoviews and Plotly.
-
Data Preparation: Start by collecting data in the form of a CSV file, with columns representing source, target, and flow quantities, respectively. The source variable points to the origin of the flow, the destination variable points to the end of the flow, and flow quantity represents the amount of flow between two points.
-
Selection of Tools: Choose a tool that aligns with your technical expertise or desired outcome. For instance, if you are more inclined towards the visual aspect, try Sankey-diagrams.co. If you are a developer or have Python experience, Holoviews or Plotly provides more customizability.
-
Designing the Chart: Populate the tool with your data. The design interface will help you visualize the flow, allowing you to manipulate colors, labels, and layout according to your needs.
-
Inspection and Analysis: Once designed, the chart provides invaluable insights into patterns of data movement or system operations. Observe how different components contribute to the overall flow and how they are interconnected.
-
Sharing and Updating: Share your created Sankey chart with stakeholders. Regular updates to the data are necessary to keep the chart reflective of changes in the system over time.
Applications of Sankey Charts:
Sankey diagrams prove to be indispensable in a myriad of real-life settings:
-
Energy and Process Flow: In the energy industry, Sankey diagrams depict the transfer of energy between various types, such as electricity, gas, and fuel oil, showing the efficiency and loss points in an energy system.
-
Air and Sea Traffic: For transportation and logistics, Sankey diagrams map the journey of goods from supply points to consumer locations, allowing efficient route planning and inventory management.
-
Population Distribution: Public health studies use Sankey diagrams to map the migration patterns between countries, helping policymakers anticipate the distribution of resources.
-
Web Analytics: In digital marketing, Sankey diagrams illustrate the flow of user interaction through a website, guiding UX improvements and resource allocation.
Conclusion:
In today’s world of complex data and systems, Sankey diagrams have proven to be exceptionally handy. From mapping the intricate flow of information to visualizing the vast circulation of resources, the power of Sankey charts lies in their ability to simplify and illuminate complex data. By embracing the creation and utilization of Sankey diagrams, professionals across industries can enhance their data analysis, strategic decision-making, and overall understanding of the operational dynamics within their systems. Let the journey through the world of Sankey charts enrich your analytical toolkit and take your data storytelling to the next level.
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.
