Introduction
Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are a type of flow chart used to visualize the distribution and transformation of quantities, such as energy, resources, and data. Sankey charts are useful for illustrating the relationship between different sources and destinations, and the intensity of flows between them. In this article, we will explore the concept of Sankey charts, their creation, and their various applications.

What are Sankey charts?
Sankey charts are a type of flow chart that visualizes the flow of quantities, such as energy, resources, and data, between different entities. In a Sankey chart, entities are represented by nodes, and the flows are represented by arrows or links between the nodes. The intensity of the flows is represented by the width of the links, with thicker links indicating larger flows.
A Sankey chart includes the following components:

1. Source: The origin of a flow
2. Flow: The quantity being transmitted
3. Destination: The final destination of a flow

How to create a Sankey chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps:

1. Collect data: Collect the data you want to visualize, including the sources, destinations, and flow quantities.
2. Define the nodes: Define the nodes in the chart, which can be represented by different colors, shapes, or symbols.
3. Define the edges: Connect the nodes with edges that represent the flow between them. The width of the edges should represent the quantity of flow.
4. Label the nodes and edges: Label the nodes and edges with relevant information, such as the names of the entities and the flow quantities.
5. Customize the chart: Customize the chart’s appearance, such as the layout and color scheme, to make it more visually appealing and informative.

Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are used in a variety of industries and fields, including:

1. Energy and sustainability: Sankey charts can be used to illustrate the flow of energy or resources, such as electricity, water, or materials, through different processes or systems.
2. Data visualization: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data between different sources and destinations, such as website traffic or social media interactions.
3. Business and finance: Sankey charts can be used to illustrate the flow of money or resources between different entities, such as departments, countries, or sectors.
4. Environmental science: Sankey charts can be used to illustrate the flow of greenhouse gases or pollutants through different processes or systems, such as industrial production or natural sources.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the distribution and transformation of quantities between different entities. By using the components of source, flow, and destination, one can create informative and visually appealing Sankey charts that highlight important relationships and trends. With applications in energy, sustainability, data visualization, business, and environmental science, Sankey charts provide a valuable way to gain insights and communicate information effectively.

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