A Sankey chart is a diagram that shows the flow of data or resources between different categories, entities, or processes. It is a powerful visualization tool that can help you understand complex relationships and patterns in dynamic systems. In this article, we will explore the principles behind Sankey charts, how to create them, and their applications in different fields.

Principles of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams are named after Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who used them in the early 19th century to illustrate the energy flow through a steam engine, comparing the inputs and outputs in terms of steam usage. The key features of a Sankey diagram include:

• Flow Lines: These lines represent the movement of data or resources. Thicker lines indicate a larger flow quantity.
• Nodes (or Ports): Represent different categories, sources, or destinations within the system. Each node is connected by flow lines.
• Width of Lines: The width of the lines indicates the amount of flow between nodes, allowing for quick visual detection of high-flux areas.
• Labels: Nodes and lines often include labels to indicate the types of flows or sources.

Creating a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps:

1. Data Collection: Gather the data that represents the flow between different categories. Ensure it’s organized with source and target entities, along with the quantity of flow (or volume).

2. Data Preparation: Prepare the data for visualization. This may involve normalizing data to percentages or absolute values, depending on your needs.

3. Choosing a Tool: There are various tools and software available for creating Sankey diagrams, both online and offline. Tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau, and dedicated software like SmartDraw, draw.io, and Sankey Diagram Maker allow you to create and customize your charts.

4. Design and Layout: Design your Sankey chart by selecting the layout, colors, and labels. Adjust the widths of the flow lines according to the data to maintain clarity and impact.

5. Review and Adjust: Review your chart for clarity and accuracy. Make adjustments to the layout, typography, and color scheme as needed to improve readability and aesthetics.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams find applications in several domains due to their ability to illustrate complex flow dynamics:

1. Energy Systems: Visualizing energy use and transfer across various sources and end uses, highlighting inefficiencies and optimization potential.

2. Supply Chain Management: Demonstrating the flow of materials or products in supply chains, identifying bottlenecks and optimizing logistics.

3. Network Traffic Analysis: Showing data flow between different nodes in a computer network, helping network engineers manage bandwidth and improve system performance.

4. Economics: Mapping economic data such as trade flows, income distribution, or employment sectors, aiding in policy analysis and decision-making.

5. Environmental Studies: Illustrating the flow of materials or resources in environmental systems, tracking pollution sources and effects.

6. Healthcare: Representing the movement of patients through different stages of care, identifying areas of high or low patient flow and improving hospital efficiency.

Conclusion

The power of Sankey charts lies in their ability to simplify complex systems and make the invisible dynamics of flows visible and understandable. Whether you’re an engineer, data analyst, student, or a user researching on any domain, Sankey diagrams can provide valuable insights and help in making informed decisions. With the right data and a competent tool or software, anyone can create a Sankey chart capable of illuminating the intricate details of flow dynamics in their specific context.

SankeyMaster

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