Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that visually represent the flow of materials, energy, or information between different systems and processes. They are often used to show the direction and magnitude of flows, as well as to highlight bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Here, we will delve into the basics of Sankey chart creation and explore some of the many ways in which these powerful visualization tools can be used to improve our understanding of complex systems.

What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that use arrows to represent the flow of materials, energy, or data between different nodes or systems. Each node on the chart represents a specific component or process, and the arrows connecting them indicate the direction of the flow. The chart is named after graphic designer Charles Sankey, who first introduced the concept in the early 20th century.

Sankey charts can be used to represent a wide range of systems, including energy systems, water systems, economic systems, and communication networks. They are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of materials and energy between different regions or industries, as well as for identifying opportunities for reducing waste and improving efficiency.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

There are several software tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, Google Slides, and Lucidchart. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in creating a Sankey chart using Microsoft Excel:

1. Create a new Excel spreadsheet and select the area where you want to insert the chart.
2. Click on the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
3. Click on the Sankey chart icon in the chart group. This will insert the chart into the selected area.
4. Customize the chart by adjusting the appearance andadding additional dataSeries.

Once you have created your Sankey chart, you can use it to gain insights into your data and identify opportunities for improvement. For example, let’s say you work for a company that is interested in reducing its carbon footprint. You could use a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of energy between different departments and processes within the company, and identify areas where energy is wasted or could be more efficiently used.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are a versatile visualization tool that can be used in a wide range of contexts and industries. Here are just a few examples of how they are being used to improve our understanding of complex systems:

1. Energy Systems: Sankey charts are often used to visualize the flow of energy between different systems and processes, including power plants, transportation networks, and buildings. They can help identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency and reducing waste.
2. Water Systems: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of water between different sources, treatment facilities, and water bodies. They can help identify areas where water could be conserved or cleaned up, and highlight the importance of protecting our water resources.
3. Economic Systems: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of money between different economic sectors and regions, including households, businesses, and governments. They can help identify opportunities for promoting economic growth and reducing inequality.
4. Communication Networks: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of data, information, or ideas between different communication channels and systems, including social media, email, and messaging apps. They can help identify opportunities for improving communication efficiency and addressing information overload.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can be used to gain insights into complex systems and processes. They can help us identify opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. By understanding the flow of materials, energy, and information between different components of our world, we can work together to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

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.