Sankey charts are a unique and visually appealing way to represent data flows and complex relationships. They are named after the English engineer Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who popularized them in the 19th century. Sankey charts are essentially flow diagrams that depict the distribution, transfer, or conversion of energy, materials, or other quantities between nodes.
What are Sankey charts?
Sankey charts display relationships or flows between groups of items. They are excellent for visualizing how different components or entities interact and exchange resources or properties. In a Sankey chart, nodes represent entities that exchange flow; the width of the arrows (or “flows”) between nodes indicates the significance of the connection, and colors can be used to differentiate between various types of flows.
Advantages of Sankey charts
- Comprehensive visualization: Sankey charts offer a complete picture of data flows with clear indications of volume and direction, making complex information more digestible.
- Versatility: They can be used to illustrate various types of flow diagrams, making them appropriate for a wide range of analytics and communication needs across sectors like engineering, economics, and media.
- Simplification of high-level concepts: Sankey charts can help simplify the understanding of intricate dependencies and relationships, which is beneficial for educational and public relations purposes.
Applications of Sankey charts
1. Energy systems
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In the energy sector, Sankey diagrams can illustrate energy flows, usage, and efficiency. For instance, showing how renewable and non-renewable sources contribute to energy consumption and distribution.
2. Supply chains
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In logistics and commerce, visualizing the flow of goods and materials through a supply chain helps identify bottlenecks, optimize routes, and manage inventories.
3. Process diagrams
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In manufacturing, process flow diagrams can depict stages of production. They provide insight into resource allocation, cycle times, and potential areas for optimization.
4. Business analytics
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In finance and economics, Sankey charts can offer insights into sectoral transactions, investment flows, or market shares, aiding strategic decision-making.
5. Environmental studies
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For environmental projects, they can showcase the flow of resources during ecosystem modeling or waste management processes, highlighting efficiency and environmental impact.
6. Web traffic analysis
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Web developers can use Sankey diagrams to visualize user navigation patterns and identify the most visited pages or the path of interaction within a website.
7. Social media influence
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In social media analysis, Sankey charts can illustrate the flow of information through networks, depicting the influence among users or influencers.
Creating Sankey charts
Creating an effective Sankey chart involves several steps:
- Data preparation: Gather and organize the relevant data. This typically includes information about sources, destinations, and the quantities flowing between them.
- Choosing a tool: Select a software or tool that supports Sankey chart creation. Tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Tableau, and specialized software such as Holoviews, D3.js, or Sankey-Generator can be used depending on their features and compatibility with the available data.
- Designing the chart: In your chosen tool, input the data and set its up. The key parameters include the nodes (sources and destinations), flows, and node attributes like labels and colors. Adjust layout settings to ensure clarity and readability.
- Customization: Tailor the colors, styles, and fonts to make the chart engaging and informative. Pay attention to the scale of the arrows to accurately reflect flow volumes.
- Review and iteration: Analyze the chart to ensure it effectively communicates the intended story. Iterate based on user feedback or insights gained from the data.
Creating and interpreting Sankey charts will help you and your team effectively manage and understand complex flows in a variety of real-world scenarios. They provide a visual edge for better communications and insights.
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.
