Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram where the width of the arrows or lines represents the magnitude of the flow. They were invented in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer James Sainty and are named after his business partner, John Broadwood Sankey, who made significant improvements to the design. However, these types of charts have gained increased popularity in recent years due to the rise of data visualization tools and the exponential growth of data. In this article, we’ll explore the power of Sankey charts and learn how to create and apply these types of charts to visualize flows like never before.
Understanding Sankey Charts
Sankey charts differ from other types of flow diagrams in that they use arrows or lines of varying widths. The width of the line indicates the magnitude or size of the flow. This makes it easier to visualize and compare the flow sizes and direction. The color of the lines is also used to represent different categories or sources/sinks.
Sankey diagrams are particularly effective at showing the transformation and distribution of flows between different categories. This includes energy use, material flow, financial transactions, and data usage. They are useful in virtually any field where the visualization of flow data is necessary.
Creating Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart can be done using various visualization tools, including:
1. PowerPoint and Google Slides
PowerPoint and Google Slides offer built-in templates for creating simple Sankey charts. To create a Sankey chart in these tools, follow these steps:
- Select “Insert” > “Chart” and choose “Sankey”
- Enter your data, including categories, source, destination, and flow magnitude.
- Customize the chart’s formatting and colors.
2. Advanced Visualization Tools
For more complex flow diagrams requiring customization and advanced features, specialized visualization tools like Tableau, Qlik Sense, and D3.js are ideal. These platforms offer a wide range of visualization types, including Sankey charts, with extensive customization options.
- Tableau
- Qlik Sense
- D3.js
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts find applications in various fields, offering several advantages over other types of flow diagrams:
1. Energy Usage Visualization
In energy-related fields, Sankey charts help visualize the breakdown of energy flow across different sources, usage scenarios, and efficiency losses. This aids in identifying areas for energy conservation and efficient allocation.
2. Material Flow Analysis
Sustainability experts use Sankey diagrams to analyze material flow within industries, such as manufacturing and supply chains. This helps identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, promoting a circular economy.
3. Financial Transactions Tracking
In finance, Sankey charts demonstrate the distribution of a company’s financial flow. This helps in assessing budget allocation, internal financial flows, and identifying potential leakages in corporate funds.
4. User Data Flow Analysis
Web developers and product managers utilize Sankey diagrams to analyze the user flow on websites and mobile applications. This aids in optimizing user experience by pinpointing bottlenecks and potential areas for enhancement.
Tips for Creating Effective Sankey Charts
To create effective and impactful Sankey charts, consider the following tips:
1. Choose the Right Data
Select the flow data that best represents the scenario you wish to visualize and convey. Ensure the data is relevant, comprehensive, and accurately reflects the flows you aim to display.
2. Use Color Purposefully
Color plays a crucial role in distinguishing different flow components. Choose colors that are visually appealing and not too overwhelming, ensuring each color represents a logical category or source. Keep consistency across categories for better understanding.
3. Focus on Clarity and Readability
To maintain clarity, group similar data points and keep text labels minimal. This will help viewers understand the diagram more easily, without being drowned by excessive information.
4. Add Legends and Context
Include a legend with color descriptions to help viewers understand the chart’s elements more intuitively. Additionally, provide context by explaining critical findings, anomalies, or trends visible in your Sankey chart.
Conclusion
The power of Sankey charts lies in their ability to condense complex flow scenarios into easily understandable visual representations. Whether used to show energy usage patterns, material flow, financial transactions, or user data flow, Sankey charts offer a unique way to grasp various types of flows visually. With the right tools and techniques, creating effective and informative Sankey diagrams becomes an accessible task for professionals in various domains, enhancing decision-making and insight generation. By harnessing the full potential of these visual wonders, users can unleash a plethora of insights hidden within their data, shaping impactful solutions and strategies.
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.
