Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, are a unique style of data visualization that can provide a visual representation of complex flows and connections in a visually engaging way. These charts are often used in academic, business, and scientific applications where the flow of information, energy, or materials needs to be visually represented. This article will explore the various aspects of Sankey charts, including their creation, key components, applications, and the different types available.

Understanding Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are named after Scottish engineer and inventor Matthew Henry Phinney, who was part of the team that developed the Sankey diagram in 1898 for a steam power station. The term “Sankey” was coined by William Patrick Sankey, a British sanitary engineer and politician. However, the basis of the diagram was first used by Scottish engineer Matthew Henry Phinney in a paper published in 1898 about his steam power station at the Carnegie Iron and Steel Works in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He developed these diagrams to show the flow of heat energy within the system, allowing for easy visualization of energy losses or gains.

Key Components of Sankey Charts

The main components of a Sankey diagram include:
1. Nodes: These represent entities, such as materials, energy, or participants within a system.
2. Arrows / Links: These connect the nodes and represent the flow of material, energy, or information.
3. Width: The width of the arrows or lines indicates the magnitude of the flow’s size, making it easy to compare different flows visually.

Creation of Sankey Charts

Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps:

Data Preparation

Before creating a chart, you must prepare your data. This often involves:
– Identifying the nodes (entities).
– Determining the source and destination of flows.
– Quantifying the flows.

Designing the Layout

Choose the appropriate layout for your diagram. Some common orientations are vertical, horizontal, or radial. The layout should be designed based on the space available and the complexity of the flow.

Applying Width Proportional to Flow

The width of each arrow or line should be proportional to the flow it represents. This makes it easy for viewers to quickly grasp the size or volume of flows within the system.

Adding Labels and Annotations

Adding appropriate labels to nodes and flow directions enhances the chart’s readability and ensures that viewers understand what is being displayed.

Using Software or Tools

Various tools can be used to create Sankey diagrams, including:
– Microsoft Excel: For simple diagrams.
– Tableau: A powerful business intelligence tool that allows for quick and customizable chart creation.
– D3.js: A JavaScript library for creating dynamic and interactive data visualizations, suitable for complex web-based diagrams.
– PowerBI: A business analytics service by Microsoft that offers Sankey chart creation features.
– Sankey.io: A web-based tool specifically designed for creating Sankey diagrams.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts have a wide range of applications across various fields, including:

Business and Economics

• Supply Chain Management: To visualize the flow of goods, materials, and resources from suppliers to customers.
• Marketing: To display the movement of user navigation and engagement through different web pages or platforms.
• Financial Flows: To show transactions, investments, or budget allocations in financial reports.

Science and Engineering

• Energy Distribution: To illustrate the distribution of energy in power plants or renewable energy systems.
• Hydrology: To depict water flow and distribution in natural waterways and urban water management systems.
• Environmental Studies: To map ecological processes, such as carbon or nutrient cycles.

Academia and Research

• Network Analysis: To represent complex networks and information flows, such as citation networks in academic papers.
• Epidemiology: To show the spread of diseases and the impact of interventions in different populations.

Sankey charts are a versatile tool for visualizing flows in a number of different contexts, making them an invaluable asset in any data analyst’s toolkit. By leveraging the visual potency of these diagrams, you can communicate complex data effectively and make informed decisions based on the insights provided by the flow of information, materials, or energy.

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