Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams or flow diagrams, are a powerful tool for visualizing flows and transformations. They were originally developed in the 19th century by Scottish engineer Matthew Holditch to help visualize the movement of coal from mines to ports. Today, Sankey charts are used across a wide range of fields, from business and economics to environmental science, to help people understand complex flow patterns and data.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using Sankey charts, how to create one, and some of the applications of these visualizations.
The Power of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing data flows within a system, where the width of the lines indicates the magnitude of the flow. This makes it easy to identify the largest flows, as well as which flows are increasing or decreasing. Additionally, Sankey charts highlight how the total flow is divided into different categories, allowing us to easily spot patterns and connections between the different parts of the system.
Another advantage of Sankey charts is that they can clearly show the origin and destination of the flows, as well as any interconnections or transformations that occur along the way. This makes them particularly useful for visualizing supply chains, energy systems, financial transactions, and other complex processes.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves a few steps. First, you will need to define your data and choose a software tool or library to generate the visualization. There are many options available, including online tools like Venngage and FlowingData, as well as more advanced libraries for use in programming languages like Python or R.
Once you have your data, you will need to organize it into a specific format. Typically, this involves defining a node for each category or flow, and then defining the edges or lines that connect them. You may also need to assign a color or style to each edge based on its properties.
Finally, you can adjust the layout and design of your Sankey chart to ensure that it is clear and easy to read. This may involve adjusting the width of the lines, the spacing between nodes, and the labels or tooltips for each edge.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications across different fields. Here are just a few examples:
- Business and Economics: Sankey charts can be used to visualize supply chains, revenue flows, and other economic flows within a business or industry.
- Environmental Science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize energy flows in a power grid, the movement of nutrients within an ecosystem, or the flow of pollutants from one source to another.
- Social Sciences: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of ideas, information, or resources between different social groups or communities.
- Healthcare: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of patients through a healthcare system, the movement of medical supplies, or the diffusion of healthcare innovations.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful and versatile tool for visualizing complex flows and data. By leveraging the unique insights that Sankey charts provide, we can better understand and communicate the dynamics of a wide range of systems and processes. Whether you’re an economist, environmental scientist, social scientist, or healthcare professional, consider using Sankey charts to help you see your data in a whole new light.
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.
