As data visualization tools have advanced, there has been a growing recognition of the utility and effectiveness of Sankey charts. This versatile chart type represents flows (such as the movement of money, materials, or energy) in a visually engaging manner, connecting sources with destinations through arrows. Sankey charts can make complex relationships between data points more accessible and comprehensible.
Understanding Sankey Charts
Concept and Purpose
Sankey charts derive their name from Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who popularized them around the 1860s to illustrate the energy conversion in steam engines. Since then, these charts have evolved to encompass a wide range of applications across various fields including economics, environmental science, and social sciences. Their primary strength lies in their ability to show the magnitude of connection between entities, and how that relationship influences the flow dynamics of the system being analyzed.
Key Components
Arrows and Widths
Each arrow in a Sankey chart represents the transfer of a quantity from one node to another. The width of the arrows is proportional to the quantity of flow, which makes it easy to quantify and compare different flows at a glance.
Nodes
Nodes represent the starting point or endpoint of a flow. They can be any entities of interest, such as regions, companies, or components in a process. The arrangement of nodes along the chart gives insight into the system’s structure and hierarchy.
Creating Sankey Charts
Tools and Software Options
Creating a Sankey chart can be achieved with various software tools. Common choices include:
- Business Intelligence (BI) software like Tableau, Power BI, and Qlik Sense.
- Data visualization software such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or the more specialized tools like Vizlib for Tableau or Visme.
- Programming libraries and tools for developers who prefer coding their charts, including libraries like D3.js, Plotly, or Bokeh.
Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a Sankey chart typically involves several steps:
-
Collect Data
Gather the necessary data on sources, destinations, and flow quantities. -
Prepare the Data
Structure the data so that each row contains source, destination, and flow amount information. -
Design the Layout
Decide on the visual layout of nodes and flows, considering the story you want to tell. -
Create the Chart
Use your chosen tool to add data, apply the chart design, and adjust colors and widths as needed. -
Review and Adjust
Ensure the chart is readable and clear. Adjust any labels, colors, or data representation to improve readability and user understanding.
Applications
Agricultural Trade
Visualizing international trade flows between countries, highlighting the most significant sources and destinations of agricultural goods.
Energy Systems
Mapping energy flows in power grids or through renewable energy sources, showing how energy is generated, transported, and consumed.
Network Analysis
Analyzing web traffic, social network interactions, or product delivery networks to understand complex connections and dependencies.
Environmental Science
Demonstrating the flow of materials in ecosystems, like nutrient cycling in forests or pollutants in water resources.
Supply Chain Management
Illustrating the flow of goods and services within supply chains, helping organizations optimize logistics and identify bottlenecks.
Conclusion
Sankey charts bring an added layer of depth and clarity to data visualization, making it easier to grasp the magnitude and direction of flows within a system. As data complexity increases, the ability to convey intricate relationships and trends efficiently becomes more important. By leveraging Sankey charts, professionals across various fields can make data-driven decisions, communicate insights effectively, and enhance collaboration and understanding among stakeholders. Whether you’re working with simple flows or complex systems, Sankey charts offer a powerful tool to visualize and analyze your data in ways that are both intuitive and impactful.
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.
