Sankey charts are a powerful way to visualize the flow of data or resources, such as energy, money, and information. They are named after their creator David Sankey, who developed them back in 1859 as a way to show energy usage by different organizations within industries. Today, Sankey charts are used in many fields, from economics and finance to environmental science and transportation, to help people understand complex systems and flows in a way that is easy to see and comprehend.
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, starting with collecting and organizing your data. Depending on the field you work in, the data may come from surveys, financial records, or other sources. Once you have your data, you can use a range of software tools, including specialized programs like SankeyChartCreator, as well as general-purpose data visualization software like Tableau and PowerBI, to create your chart.
To create a basic Sankey chart, you will need to input your data into the software, specifying the source, destination, and the amount or value of the flow between them. You can then customize the look of your chart by changing colors, labels, and other visual elements, as well as adding visual cues like arrows or lines to make the flow clearer.
One of the strengths of Sankey charts is their ability to help people understand complex systems and flows. For example, in economics, Sankey charts can be used to show how money flows between different industries, government sectors, and tax systems. In environmental science, Sankey charts can be used to show how energy is generated and consumed, highlighting the sources and sinks of resources. In transportation, Sankey charts can be used to show how passengers move through public transit systems, highlighting the busiest routes and transfer points.
In addition to their use in specialized fields, Sankey charts are also finding applications in everyday life. For example, social media platforms are increasingly using them to show the flow of information between users and content, helping to identify key influencers and trends. Online retailers use Sankey charts to show how customers navigate their websites, allowing them to optimize user experience and improve sales. Health organizations use Sankey charts to show how patients move through healthcare systems, highlighting bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
Overall, Sankey charts are a powerful and versatile tool for visualizing flows in data and resource systems. By understanding how to create and use them effectively, you can gain deeper insights into complex systems and make more informed decisions based on data.

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.