Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that allow for a visual representation of data flow. These charts are particularly effective at illustrating how different data sources flow into, through, and out of a system or network. By visualizing these dynamics, Sankey charts enable users to quickly understand complex data movements and relationships. In this article, we’ll explore how to create Sankey charts and discuss their applications across various fields.

Setting the Stage: Understanding Sankey Charts

Origin and History

Sankey charts were named after Captain Matthew议案 Sankey, an 19th-century Scottish engineer who developed the concept for his work on steam engine efficiency. Since then, Sankey diagrams have evolved to become a versatile tool in various domains, from energy production to social network analysis.

Visual Components

Sources and Sinks

Sources are the beginning points where data originates, such as raw materials in industrial processes or information in communication networks. Sinks, on the other hand, represent destinations where the data ends up, such as the disposal of outputs or the absorption of information.

Flows and Volumes

Flows are the pathways through which data moves, and their thickness is proportional to the volume of the flow, providing a clear visualization of the magnitude of each movement.

Key Features

• Directionality: Arrows or lines typically show the direction of data flow, with the start of an arrow representing a source and the end representing a sink.
• Conservation: Key to Sankey diagrams is the principle of conservation, meaning the total flow into a node equals the total flow out, illustrating the balance in the system.
• Labels and Annotations: These can be used to name sources, sinks, and flows, enhancing readability and comprehension.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Tools and Software

Popular Tools:

• Tableau: Offers a user-friendly interface for Sankey chart creation with built-in templates and customization options.
• Excel: Supports simple Sankey diagrams with custom formatting and VBA scripts for more complex designs.
• R: Via packages like Sankey, enables sophisticated Sankey charts with control over every detail.
• D3.js: Ideal for web applications, allowing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create responsive and dynamic Sankey diagrams.
• Python: Utilizes libraries such as Sankeyflow or networkx for more programmatically controlled chart creation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Data Preparation

Before creating a Sankey chart, ensure your data is structured appropriately, usually with columns for “source,” “target,” and “value.”

Step 2: Choosing a Tool

Select a tool based on your user experience, required features, and whether you want to deploy the chart online or within a specific application.

Step 3: Input Data

Enter or upload your data into the chosen tool. For most tools, this involves a straightforward import process that matches your data schema.

Step 4: Customization

Adjust the appearance of the chart, including colors, labels, and even the layout, to enhance readability and aesthetics.

Step 5: Review and Publish

Ensure the chart’s accuracy and clarity before finalizing or publishing it.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Examples Across Various Domains

Engineering and Energy

• Electricity Grids: Visualize how energy is distributed across various nodes within an electrical grid.
• Energy Consumption: Understand the energy used in different processes, like industrial sectors or household appliances.

Business and Economics

• Supply Chain Analysis: Map the flow of goods or information along a supply chain, identifying bottlenecks or high-value transactions.
• Sales Funnel Analysis: Trace customer journeys and identify points of drop-off or conversion.

Social Sciences

• Social Media Influence: Analyze the spread of ideas or sentiments through social networks, highlighting influencer nodes.
• Demographic Flows: Trace migration patterns or inter-generational income flows, showing connections between different groups.

Conclusion

Sankey charts offer a compelling way to visualize complex flow patterns in a way that is both intuitive and detailed. Whether used to optimize industrial processes, improve supply chain effectiveness, or understand social dynamics, Sankey diagrams provide valuable insights. By selecting the right tool and following the steps outlined, anyone can harness the power of Sankey charts to better understand and communicate complex data movements.

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.