Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, first appeared in the 19th century to represent energy consumption and distribution in engines, and they have since evolved into a powerful tool for visualizing data flows and connections. Today, these charts are widely used in various applications, from economics and business to environmental monitoring and energy management.
The anatomy of a Sankey chart
At their core, Sankey charts are used to represent the flow of quantities between different parts of a system, often displaying energy, materials, or information in a visual, intuitive way. Each “sankey node” represents a source or sink of the quantity being tracked, and an “arcing edge” connects these nodes, illustrating how entities are moving from one part of the system to another.
Sankey charts are especially useful for highlighting the magnitude of the flow for each connection, with the width of the lines proportional to the quantity being transported. Additionally, they make it easy to identify bottlenecks or dominant pathways within the system.
Key elements to consider when creating a Sankey chart
- Identify your nodes and flows – Determine the distinct components of the system you want to represent and the flows between them. This step is crucial for structuring your chart accurately.
- Decide on a layout – Sankey charts can be displayed in various layouts, including linear, circular, hierarchical, or even in 3D. Choose a layout that best suits the complexity and directionality of your data.
- Color and label choices – Use colors to differentiate between the different flows or nodes, which helps in visually distinguishing various categories. Labels are also essential for providing information about each flow and its specific flow value.
- Inclusion of annotations – Annotations can be used to provide further context to specific parts of the data flow, guiding the viewer’s attention to important information.
Applications of Sankey charts in various fields
Economics and business
Sankey diagrams effectively represent the flow of economic transactions, such as funds moving through a financial system, or employee movements within a company. This can provide insights into patterns and potential inefficiencies in complex systems.
Energy and environment
In environmental monitoring and energy management, Sankey charts are used to demonstrate energy consumption across different sectors or processes. This visualization can help in identifying energy-saving opportunities and the environmental impact of various sources and uses of energy.
Data visualization and knowledge management
In the realm of data visualization, Sankey charts can be used to illustrate the movement of data through different processes in a software application, for instance. This can help in understanding data flow and improving system efficiency.
Health care
In health care, Sankey diagrams can depict the flow of patients through different stages of treatment or care, highlighting bottlenecks or critical paths. This can be valuable in optimizing patient care pathways and resource allocation.
Education
In education, Sankey charts can be used to represent the progression of students through various educational stages, such as from enrollment to graduation. This can help in understanding the effectiveness of educational systems and identifying areas for improvement.
Conclusion
The versatility and clarity of Sankey charts make them a valuable asset for a wide range of applications, from simplifying complex data flows to enhancing the understanding of system dynamics. Whether visualizing economic transactions, energy distribution, or patient care pathways, Sankey diagrams offer a visual means to convey the intricate relationships and flows of data, ultimately enabling more informed decision-making and optimization across various industries.
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