Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that visualizes the movement of data or resources through a system. They were named after Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who used them to depict the energy consumption of a steam engine in 1898. Since then, sankey charts have become a popular tool in various fields, including energy, economics, and data analysis. In this article, we will explore how to create and use sankey charts to unleash their potential for data visualization.
Creation of Sankey Charts
Creating a sankey chart involves a few simple steps. The first step is to determine the flow of data that you want to depict. This could be anything from energy consumption to production processes to data transfer between servers. Once you have identified the flow, you can begin to create the sankey chart.
One way to create a sankey chart is to use software such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Google Charts. These tools provide templates and drag-and-drop interfaces that make it easy for users to create sankey diagrams. Alternatively, you can use the HTML5 Canvas API to create a sankey chart from scratch. This approach requires coding skills, but it offers greater flexibility and customization options.
Another way to create a sankey chart is to use open-source libraries such as D3.js or Sankey.js. These libraries are designed specifically for creating sankey charts and provide a range of features such as grouping, filtering, and animation. By combining the power of these libraries with data from a spreadsheet or a database, you can create custom sankey charts that are tailored to your specific needs.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are widely used in various fields to visualize complex data flows. Here are some common applications of sankey charts:

• Energy: Sankey charts can help visualize the energy flow in systems such as power grids, district heating, and buildings. By showing the input and output of energy sources, they can help decision-makers design more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
• Economics: Sankey charts can be used to visualize trade flows between countries, regions, or sectors. By showing the movement of goods and services across different trade partners, they can help policymakers develop trade policies that promote fairness and openness.
• Data Analysis: Sankey charts can help visualize data flows in complex systems such as social networks, websites, or supply chains. By creating a flow map of data transfer, analysts can identify patterns, optimize processes, and improve customer experiences.
• Health: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of patients through healthcare systems, revealing areas where bottlenecks and inefficiencies exist. By identifying the bottlenecks, healthcare administrators can improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and optimize resource allocation.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a versatile tool for visualizing complex data flows. They offer a range of features such as grouping, filtering, and animation, making them suitable for various applications, including energy, economics, data analysis, and health. By creating custom sankey charts using software such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Google Charts, or using open-source libraries such as D3.js or Sankey.js, you can unleash the full potential of sankey charts and gain valuable insights from your data.

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