Unleashing the Power of Sankey Charts: Visualizing Flow in Complex Systems
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, and information in complex systems. These charts use directed arrows to represent the direction and magnitude of the flow, allowing users to easily see how different parts of a system interact with each other. In this article, we’ll explore how to create Sankey charts and some of the many applications for this type of visualization.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that uses directed arrows to represent the flow of materials, energy, or information through a system. The arrows are weighted by amounts or frequencies, which allows users to see how much or how often each flow is occurring. The chart is named after its creator, Gerardus J. Sankey, who first introduced it in the 1920s as a way to visualize industrial processes. Since then, it has become a popular tool for understanding complex systems such as supply chains, financial networks, and biological ecosystems.
How to Create a Sankey Chart?
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps:
- Identify the flows you want to visualize: Start by identifying all the flows that occur within your system or network. Consider what is coming in (inputs), what is going out (outputs), and any other flows that may be relevant. You can use text documents or spreadsheets to gather this information.
- Determine the weights for each flow: For each flow identified in step 1, determine how much or how often it occurs in your system or network
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.
