Sankey charts are a type of flow chart that are used to visualize the distribution and movement of a quantity, such as energy, money, or resources, across different categories or entities. They are named after the Scottish physicist Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who first used this type of chart to illustrate the energy efficiency of steam engines in the late 19th century.
The key elements of a Sankey chart are nodes, which represent categories or entities, and links, which represent the flow of the quantity from one category to another. The width of the links is proportional to the amount of flow between the categories, making it easy to see the larger flows and the relative importance of each category.
There are many applications for Sankey charts, from energy and resource management to supply chain and financial analysis. By visualizing flows and connections, Sankey charts help users understand and communicate complex relationships and patterns in data.
Creating a Sankey chart can be a challenging task, as it requires careful planning and data preparation. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Define the categories or entities: Identify the categories or entities you want to include in your chart. These could be geographic locations, product types, or different stages of a process. Make sure each category is clearly defined and included in your data set.
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Determine the flows and quantities: Identify the flows between the categories and determine the quantities involved. This could involve collecting data from different sources, or using historical data or industry benchmarks.
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Plan the layout: Consider the layout of your nodes and links. The layout should be intuitive and easy to understand, with clear and consistent labels for each node and link. You may also want to include directional arrows to show the flow.
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Choose the right tool: There are many software tools for creating Sankey charts, from specialized charting tools like Datawrapper and Sankey.js to more general data visualization tools like Tableau and Microsoft Power BI. Choose the tool that best fits your needs and skill level.
Here’s an example of a Sankey chart, which visualizes the flow of energy from different sources to end-use sectors in a country:
As you can see, the chart shows the flow of energy from different sources (such as coal, oil, and gas) to end-use sectors (such as transport, industry, and households). The width of each link is proportional to the amount of energy flowing from one source to the other.
Overall, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flows and connections in data. By taking the time to prepare your data and create a clear and intuitive chart, you can help users understand complex relationships and patterns in a visually engaging way.
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.
