Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flows and the transfer of data between different entities. They are named after their inventor, Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who used them to illustrate the energy consumption of the James Watt steam engine in 1898. Since then, Sankey diagrams have become increasingly popular for a wide range of applications, from scientific research to business analytics.
Sankey charts consist of a series of arrows (or nodes) that represent the flow of data. The size and color of the arrows correspond to the amount of data being transferred and the nature of the flow, respectively. This type of graphic not only provides a visual summary of data flows but also highlights the relationships and patterns within the data that may not be immediately apparent in a tabular or textual format.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves several key steps:
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Data Collection: Gather data that represents the flow from one entity to another. This could be sales data, traffic flows, material movement in a supply chain, or any other type of transaction data.
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Data Structuring: Organize the data into categories and pairs. Each pair should denote a source (from whom or what) and a destination (to whom or what) for the data. It’s essential to have a common set of categories for sources and destinations across all connections.
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Choosing an Application: There are numerous tools available for creating Sankey charts, ranging from open-source software like Sankeyflow, to more sophisticated applications such as Tableau, PowerBI, and software within Visio or OmniGraffle. Each application will offer different features and ease of use, so choose one that aligns with your technical proficiency and the complexity of the chart.
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Input Data: Feeding your structured data into the software. Some applications may require data to be in a specific format, like a CSV file.
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Customization: Customize the appearance of your chart, including node labels, arrow colors, and sizes. These customizations can greatly impact the readability and aesthetics of the chart.
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Review and Adjust: After creating the initial chart, review it for accuracy and readability. Make necessary adjustments to ensure the chart effectively communicates the intended information.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts find applications across various fields:
Business Analytics:
Sankey diagrams are particularly useful in business for visualizing supply chains, where they can highlight the distribution of goods or services, supplier interactions, and cost flows.
Environmental Studies:
In environmental studies, Sankey charts can illustrate energy consumption, material flow, and carbon footprint, helping researchers and policymakers understand and manage environmental impacts at a glance.
Healthcare:
Medical research may use Sankey diagrams to show the flow of patients through different stages of care, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in healthcare systems.
Social Sciences:
In social sciences, Sankey charts can represent the flow of information, influence, or migration, offering insights into social networks and community dynamics.
Economics:
Economists use Sankey charts to examine trade flows between countries, demonstrating the global economic activities and trade patterns as trade winds influence the global economy.
Conclusion
The power of Sankey charts lies in their ability to simplify complex flows into visually digestible forms, making intricate data relationships accessible to both experts and laypeople. From business strategy to environmental assessments, these charts offer a unique perspective on how elements interact and transfer, providing valuable insights that can drive decision-making processes and guide future trends. Whether you’re analyzing internal processes or external market dynamics, Sankey charts are an indispensable tool for visual analytics.
SankeyMaster
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