Sankey charts are a type of flow chart that can be used to visualize the movement of something from one place to another. They were named after the Scottish scientist Thomas Sankey, who used them to illustrate steam engine efficiency. Today, they are used in many different fields, including engineering, economics, and data science.
In this article, we will explore the concept of Sankey charts, how to create them, and some of the applications for which they are used. We’ll also dive into the benefits of using Sankey charts, and how they can help us better understand the flow of information and data.
Understanding Sankey charts
Sankey charts are used to visualize flows of something, such as energy, goods, or data. They consist of nodes connected by arrows, where the width of the arrows represents the amount or magnitude of the flow. The nodes are typically labeled with the source and destination of the flow, and the arrows can be color-coded to represent different types of flows.
One of the key features of Sankey charts is their ability to show the total flow of a system, as well as the distribution of that flow across different parts of the system. This makes them particularly useful for gaining insights into how different parts of a system are interconnected and how the flow of something is distributed.
Creating Sankey charts
Creating Sankey charts can be done using a variety of tools, including Excel, Tableau, and R. Each tool has its own way of creating Sankey charts, but generally, the process involves the following steps:
1. Collecting data: The first step is to gather data on the flows you want to visualize. This could be anything from energy usage in a building to the flow of data through a network. You will also need information about where the flows are coming from (sources) and where they are going to (destinations).
2. Organizing data: Once you have collected your data, you will need to organize it in a way that can be used to create the chart. This typically involves creating a table with columns for source, destination, and flow volume. You may also want to include columns for color or other data attributes.
3. Choosing a tool: There are many tools available for creating Sankey charts, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You will need to choose the tool that best fits your needs and skill level.
4. Creating the chart: Once you have organized your data and chosen a tool, you can create the chart. This usually involves selecting the data and the options you want to include in the chart, such as colors, labels, and arrow widths.
5. Refining the chart: After creating the chart, you may want to refine it by adding additional elements or adjusting the layout. This can help to make the chart more visually appealing and easier to understand.
Applications of Sankey charts
Sankey charts are used in a wide range of fields, from engineering and economics to data science and social media analysis. Here are a few examples of applications for Sankey charts:
1. Energy usage: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy within a building or a city. This can help to identify areas where energy is being wasted or where there is an opportunity to improve energy efficiency.
2. Supply chain analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods through a supply chain. This can help to identify bottlenecks in the chain and to optimize shipping and production processes.
3. Data analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data through a system, such as a website or a social media network. This can help to identify patterns in user behavior or to identify areas where data is being lost or duplicated.
4. Social network analysis: Sankey charts

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