Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that display flows or movements between data points with width-defined arrows. Named after British engineer Matthew Henry Phineas Riall “Sankey” (1833-1916), who popularized their use for process diagrams, Sankey charts are gaining popularity in recent years due to their impactful and colorful ability to show flows and patterns within diverse data types. In this article, we discuss the basics of creating Sankey charts, explore their various applications, and understand the underlying principles that help in leveraging their power effectively.
The Basics of Creating Sankey Charts
Data Input Formatting
Sankey charts require data input which includes several columns:
1. Source: Where the flow originates.
2. Target: Where the flow ends up.
3. Value: The magnitude of the flow.
All these components must be accurately listed, sorted, and formatted in the data according to the chart creation tool or software being utilized.
Design and Implementation
There are numerous tools, both in specialized software (such as Tableau, Qlik, or Power BI), and online platforms that allow creation and customization of Sankey charts. Here’s a general process:
1. Select a Tool: Depending on existing resources and expertise, choose between a specialized data visualization tool, or online platforms like Datawrapper, Flourish or Sankeytoad.
2. Import Data: Upload your preformatted data.
3. Input Data: Choose the columns corresponding to source, target, and value.
4. Customize Colors and Styles: Choose colors that distinguish different flows or that correlate to a third or fourth dimension (e.g., type of flow or source size).
5. Adjust Layout: Optimize the chart’s layout for clarity, such as minimizing overlap and controlling the width and angles of the arrows to enhance readability and aesthetic appeal.
6. Add Annotations or Legends: For detailed presentations, add explanatory annotations, or a legend if color-coded categories are used.
Key Features of Sankey Charts
Flow Visualization
Sankey charts offer a clear depiction of data movement, making it particularly effective for visualizing processes, such as energy consumption, material flows, financial transactions, and network traffic. The width of the arrows shows the volume of the flow, guiding the viewer to the most significant movements within the data set.
Interactivity
While static charts are common, many tools allow for interactivity; users can hover over segments to reveal specifics, click to focus on particular flows, or filter data on the fly. This interactivity enhances user engagement and data comprehension.
Comparative Analysis
By juxtaposing Sankey charts for different datasets or time periods, one can analyze trends, changes, and relationships within and across datasets. This feature makes Sankey diagrams invaluable for comparative studies.
Customization Opportunities
Whether through color, size, typography, or layout, Sankey charts offer customization that can tailor the presentation to suit specific communication goals. This versatility enhances the narrative and impact of the data story being told.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Environmental Science
Sankey diagrams are particularly useful in environmental studies for visualizing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution flows between various sources and sinks.
Business Analytics
In corporate settings, Sankey charts can illustrate supply chains, client journeys, or internal processes, aiding management and operational efficiency improvements.
Financial Planning
Financial analysts and institutions employ Sankey charts to represent debt flows, cash movements, or revenue distribution across various products, divisions, or geographic regions.
Social Sciences
Sociologists use Sankey charts to map flows of information, migration patterns, social mobility, or the spread of societal issues across different demographic segments.
IT Infrastructure Analysis
In the tech industry, Sankey charts depict data flows within networks, applications, or software systems, aiding in performance optimization, system management, and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
By understanding the core creation processes, appreciating the key features, and recognizing their wide range of applications, one can harness the full power of Sankey charts to visualize complex data movements effectively. Whether your goal is to communicate intricate relationships in environmental studies, to optimize business strategies, or to enhance technological efficiency, Sankey diagrams offer a visually striking and insightful approach to data exploration and presentation.
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