Unleashing the Power of Flows: A Journey through Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a visualization tool used to display the flow of values from one set of values to another. Originally designed to depict water flows, the principle has now been extended to various sectors for displaying data flows in a visually understandable way. This article takes an in-depth journey through the creation and applications of Sankey charts.
Understanding Sankey Diagrams
Definition and Components:
A Sankey diagram is named after Matthew Henry Phoebe Sankey, who used this type of flow chart to represent steam engine efficiency. It features:
- Arrows: Representing the flow or movement of values between nodes. The width of the arrows determines the size of the flow.
- Nodes: Where flows begin or end.
- Sources and Sinks: When nodes are isolated, they are typically labeled “source” for origins and “sink” for destinations, respectively.
Key Features:
- Flow Representation: The thickness of the arrows visually represents the magnitude of the flow.
- Directionality: Arrows depict the movement of data, typically from upper to lower nodes in most layouts.
Types:
- Simple: Involves straightforward data flows from one set to another.
- Composite: Composed of multiple simple flows.
Creation of Sankey Diagrams
Tools and Software:
- Excel: Can be used via templates or VBA programming.
- R: Packages such as ‘ggraph’ and ‘sankeyR’ for custom creation.
- Python: ‘pySankey’ library offers ease in data visualization.
Steps:
- Data Collection: Gather all data for sources, destinations, and flows.
- Data Preparation: Format data in wide or long format depending on tool’s capability.
- Chart Creation: Use the chosen tool to input data and generate the Sankey chart. Adjust aesthetics like colors, labels, and axes.
- Final Adjustments: Tweak the diagram to enhance clarity and readability. This may include adjusting arrow width, node spacing, or adding annotations.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Business:
- Sales Processes: Visualize customer journey through sales stages.
- Financial Flows: Track cash inflows and outflows between departments.
Science and Engineering:
- Energy Systems: Represent energy conversion rates in power plants.
- Environmental Science: Demonstrate ecological energy or material transfers.
Health Care:
- Patient Flows: Map pathways patients take through health facilities.
- Medication Administration: Track dosage distribution and patient interactions.
Marketing and Economics:
- Consumer Behavior: Understand how audiences move between media channels.
- Supply Chain Analysis: Showcase distribution patterns from factories to consumers.
Conclusion
The journey through Sankey charts illuminates their vast potential in data visualization, making complex information more digestible and accessible to audiences of all types. By creating Sankey diagrams with the right tools and following best practices, one can effectively communicate the journey of values across various domains. Explore these charts to uncover insights that could revolutionize how your data is understood and interpreted, enhancing decision-making processes across organizations.
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.
