Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that is used to show the flow of data or materials between different entities. They are named after Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who developed the concept in the late 19th century to show the flow of energy in steam engines. Since then, Sankey charts have been used in various fields, including economics, engineering, and environmental science, to name a few.

In this article, we will explore the power and versatility of Sankey charts and how they can be used in different applications. We’ll also discuss some key points to remember when creating a Sankey chart, so you can make sure yours is as useful as possible.

Types of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts can be used to display the flow of various forms of data, such as materials, energy, or money. There are many variations of Sankey charts, including:

• Simple Sankey charts: These charts show the flow of a single type of data between entities, usually presented as rectangular boxes with lines connecting them.
• Multi-layered Sankey charts: These charts show the flow of multiple types of data, with each type represented by a different color.
• Multi-directional Sankey charts: These charts show data that flows both ways between entities, usually indicated by arrows.
• Sankey area charts: These charts show the area enclosed by lines, highlighting the amount of data flowing in and out of each entity.
• Sankey tree charts: These charts are similar to Sankey diagrams but show hierarchical relationships between entities, often used to display data flow within a process, organization, or network.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Here are some ways you can use Sankey charts in different fields:

• Energy and environmental science: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of energy, water, or carbon, highlighting areas where energy is lost, or where resources are diverted from their intended use.
• Economics: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of money between different economic sectors, such as trade flows, income distribution, or financial transactions.
• Marketing: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of leads, prospects, or customers through different stages of the marketing funnel, helping marketers understand where and how they are losing customers.
• Logistics and supply chain management: Sankey charts can show the flow of goods, materials or products between different stages of production, distribution, or transportation.
• Public policy and governance: Sankey charts can help policymakers understand the flow of funds or resources between different stakeholders, highlighting areas of overspending or underfunding.

Key Points to Keep in Mind When Creating a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart is not just about connecting boxes with lines; it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some key points to keep in mind when creating a Sankey chart:

• Use clear and consistent colors: Choose a color scheme that is easy to understand, with one color for each data type.
• Keep the chart simple: Don’t overload the chart with too much information; focus on the most important data flows.
• Use arrows to indicate direction: Make sure the arrows are visible and clearly indicate the direction of data flow.
• Arrange the boxes in a logical order: Order the boxes based on their relationship with the data flows, grouping related data together.
• Use labels and tooltips to provide context: Add clear labels to your boxes and lines, as well as tooltips to provide more detailed information on hover.
• Add a legend: Make sure the user can understand the chart without referring to the legend.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are an effective way to visualize data flow, provide clarity and insight on complex datasets, and make it easier to understand relationships and patterns between different entities. By following these key

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