Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flows, such as energy use, water distribution, or information movement. In this article, we’ll explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, including how to use data visualization software to create these charts and how they can be used to better understand complex systems.
The Creation of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that uses a series of rectangular shapes to represent different variables, with the width of each shape indicating the magnitude of the variable. The shapes are connected by lines, or “flows,” which show the direction and volume of the variable’s movement from one shape to another. These charts are named after their inventor, Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who first used them in the 19th century to visually represent the energy flow of a steam engine.
To create a Sankey chart, you’ll need to gather data that includes the variables you want to represent. This data should be organized in a table format, with each row representing a flow between two nodes, and the columns containing information about the nodes and the magnitude of the flow. For example, if you were creating a Sankey chart to represent energy usage in a building, you might have columns for the source of energy (e.g., solar, natural gas, electricity), the destination (e.g., a specific room, a piece of equipment), and the amount of energy used.
Once you have your data organized, you can use a data visualization tool like Tableau or Power BI to create your Sankey chart. These tools offer a range of customization options, including the ability to change the colors and labels of the nodes and flows, as well as the size of the flows based on the magnitude of the variable.
The Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have many applications in a variety of fields, including environmental science, urban planning, and business analytics. Here are just a few examples of how Sankey charts can be used:
– Environmental science: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the movement of energy, water, and other resources through ecosystems. For example, a Sankey chart could show the flow of energy from different sources (such as solar, wind, and fossil fuels) to different uses (such as transportation, electricity generation, and heating and cooling) in an urban area.
– Urban planning: Sankey charts can help urban planners visualize the movement of people, goods, and services through a city. For example, a Sankey chart could show the flow of traffic between different parts of a city, or the movement of goods from factories to warehouses and retail stores.
– Business analytics: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, such as money, through a company. For example, a Sankey chart could show the flow of revenue from different sources (such as sales, investments, and grants) to different expenses (such as salaries, marketing, and research and development).
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flows, providing insights into complex systems and allowing for better decision making. By organizing your data in a table format and using a data visualization tool, you can create Sankey charts that accurately represent your data and provide valuable insights into your processes and operations.
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.
