Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible way to visualize the flow of materials, information, or energy through a system. They are widely used in a variety of fields, including engineering, economics, ecology, and social sciences. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and some of the many ways they can be used to visualize flow and optimization.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart, also known as a Sankey diagram, is a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of materials, information, or energy through a system. It was originally developed by Charles Sankey in the 1920s as a way to visualize the flow of goods through the London sewer system.
Sankey charts consist of a set of interconnected arrows, with the start of the flow indicated by an arrow at the bottom of the chart and the end of the flow indicated by an arrow at the top. The arrows represent the flow of materials, information, or energy through the system, and the chart shows the direction and rate of flow for each arrow.
Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing complex systems, as they allow us to see the flow of materials or information through the system in a single, easy-to-understand diagram. They are also useful for identifying bottlenecks and areas for optimization in a system.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively easy, and can be done using a variety of software tools. Some popular options include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and online Sankey chart generators.
To create a Sankey chart in Excel or Google Sheets, you can follow these steps:
- Place a blank sheet in a new workbook.
- Select a cell in the sheet where you will draw the starting point of the flow.
- Draw an arrow from the starting point to a cell where you will draw the first step of the flow.
- Repeat step 3 for each step of the flow, connecting each step to the previous one.
- Connect the last step of the flow back to the starting point, and label the chart with the appropriate title.
Online Sankey chart generators are also easy to use. Simply visit an online generator, enter your data into the form, and the generator will create a Sankey chart for you.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications in a variety of fields. Some of the most common use cases include:
- Engineering: Sankey charts are often used in the design and optimization of chemical, biological, and mechanical systems.
- Economics: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of goods and services through an economy, helping to identify trade imbalances and potential areas for economic growth.
- Ecology: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials, such as nutrients or pollutants, through an ecosystem, helping to identify areas for conservation and restoration.
- Social Sciences: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of ideas, information, or resources through a social system, helping to identify areas for social change or intervention.
In summary, Sankey charts are a powerful and flexible way to visualize the flow of materials, information, or energy through a system. They are widely used in a variety of fields, including engineering, economics, ecology, and social sciences. By understanding the flow of materials through a system, we can identify bottlenecks and areas for optimization, and make informed decisions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the system.
SankeyMaster
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