Sankey charts, named after their inventor, Robert Captain Sankey, are an effective tool for visualizing flows and streams in a way that captures readers’ attention. They are particularly useful when you want to convey the direction and magnitude of complex flows between several points or nodes. In this article, we will explore how to create Sankey charts and their diverse applications, along with the benefits they provide.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are flow diagrams that demonstrate how quantities or data move between points, usually represented as nodes, while also showcasing the magnitude of the data flow in a visually intuitive manner. These charts are particularly advantageous for visualizing interconnected data, such as energy consumption, financial flows, or material supply chains.

Benefits of Sankey Charts

1. Visualization of Data Flows: Sankey charts help in understanding how data flows between different entities, making it easier to analyze and compare various flows.
2. Magnitude of Flows: The width of the lines in a Sankey diagram represents the magnitude of the flow. This makes it easy to visually identify larger flows and the parts that contribute the most to the overall flow.
3. Complex Data Simplification: They simplify complex data into a digestible format, making it easier to make sense of intricate information related to energy streams, resource transit, or financial distributions.
4. Audience Engagement: The visually appealing nature of Sankey charts captures attention and keeps the audience engaged longer than traditional line or bar charts.

Creating Sankey Charts

Tools and Software:

• Tableau: Offers a drag-and-drop interface for building sophisticated Sankey diagrams.
• Power BI: With advanced visualization capabilities, Power BI allows for dynamic and interactive Sankey charts.
• Python libraries (such as Sankey in Matplotlib or pySankey):
  1. Install the libraries: Use pip install matplotlib or pip install pysankey.
  2. Define nodes and links: Identify all nodes and their respective links, specifying the start and end nodes.
  3. Plot the chart: Utilize the library’s functions to create the Sankey diagram, adjusting colors, labels, and line widths as needed.
• Excel: While less advanced, Excel can create Sankey charts using built-in template inserts or add-ins.

Applications of Sankey Charts

1. Energy Sector: Sankey charts are incredibly useful in visualizing how energy moves through a system, from production to consumption, helping in identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
2. Supply Chain Analysis: By mapping materials and goods that move in and out of various points in a supply chain, Sankey charts provide insights into sourcing, waste, and overall efficiency.
3. Finance and Investments: Highlighting the flow of money between different financial instruments or accounts can assist in understanding investment patterns and risk management.
4. Public Policy and Environmental Impact: Mapping the flow of people, resources, or waste, these charts can help governments and organizations understand the impacts of policies and guide sustainable practices.
5. Healthcare: Sankey diagrams can illustrate patient flow, showing how people move through a healthcare system, which aids in resource allocation and efficiency improvements.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are an indispensable tool for visualizing complex flows and streams. Their versatility and ability to simplify intricate data make them a go-to choice for professionals in various sectors. By mastering the creation of Sankey charts and understanding their applications, you can significantly enhance your ability to communicate data effectively and make informed decisions based on visual analysis.

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