Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that are often used to visualize the distribution of quantities within a system. They have become an increasingly popular tool for data visualization and analysis and are particularly effective for understanding complex systems that involve the movement of physical materials, energy, or information. In this article, we will explore the power of Sankey charts and how they can be created and used to gain insights into flux and flow within various systems.
What are Sankey Charts?

Sankey charts are named after Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, who introduced them in the late 19th century to visualize energy flow. The primary purpose of Sankey charts is to illustrate the flow, distribution, or movement of a quantity within a confined space or system. A Sankey flow chart displays the quantity flow as thick lines, known as flows, which often come in different colors to differentiate them.
Key Features of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts display various features that make them an ideal tool for understanding complex systems. These features include:

1. Flow visualization: The use of thick, colored lines allows the viewer to easily track the direction of flow, direction of distribution, or movement.
2. Comparison: Sankey diagrams are great for comparing different flows, making it easy to see where the most significant proportions of the total flow go.
3. Detail visualization: They can provide detailed data about each flow or component in the system.
4. Scalability: You can illustrate multiple steps in a process or complex systems with multiple levels of data.
5. Dynamic representation: These charts allow for an easy visualization of changes over time, making them a great tool for forecasting or scenario analysis.

Creating Sankey Diagrams

Creating a Sankey diagram involves several parameters:

1. Nodes: These are the starting and ending points where the flows originate and end, respectively. Nodes can represent different categories, such as countries, industries, or processes.
2. Flows: These are the lines connecting the nodes and represent the quantity of data flowing between them. Flows can have different colors and widths to make comparisons easier.
3. Labels: Adding labels on the flows or nodes can provide context and help viewers understand what the information represents.

To create a Sankey diagram, you can use a variety of tools, such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and online software like Sankey-diagram.org. You can also create simplified versions using Excel or Google Sheets.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey diagrams are used across various industries and fields. Here are some examples of how they can be utilized:

1. Energy use and distribution: Visualize the flow of different forms of energy, like electricity or oil, in power plants, transmission networks, or industrial systems.
2. Data flow and information systems: Sankey diagrams can be used to track data flow in complex software systems or large database environments.
3. Material flow analysis: In manufacturing, the quantities of raw materials, consumables, or waste streams can be visualized to optimize processes and resource usage.
4. Traffic analysis: Use Sankey diagrams to analyze vehicular or pedestrian flow within cities or specific locations.
5. Environmental impact assessment: Analyze the flow of pollutants or carbon emissions across different processes or geographical areas.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are a powerful tool that enables data enthusiasts, analysts, and decision-makers to better understand complex systems, processes, or networks. Whether you’re analyzing energy consumption, data flow, traffic patterns, or material movement, Sankey diagrams provide a simple and elegant way to visualize flux and flow. With their versatility and ability to highlight critical information, these charts are essential in any data visualization and analysis toolkit.

By understanding how to create and interpret Sankey diagrams, you can gain valuable insights into the intricate relationships within your data, make informed decisions, and ultimately, improve system efficiency and performance.

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.