Sankey charts, also known as flow diagrams or network diagrams, are a powerful tool in data visualization that enable users to easily and visually represent the flow of information or resources between different entities or categories. These captivating charts have gained significant traction in various fields, such as business, science, and engineering, for their ability to bring intricate data relationships to life. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Sankey charts, exploring their creation and application, shedding light on how to unlock theirfull potential.
Origins and Overview of Sankey Charts
The Sankey diagram, named after its inventor, Sir William Sankey, was first introduced in 1890 to demonstrate steam-engine efficiency. Back then, it offered a simple way to visualize the distribution of energy between different stages of a process. Today, Sankey charts have evolved to accommodate a broader range of data sets, becoming a preferred choice for visualizing data flow due to their clear, intuitive layout.
Creating a Sankey Chart
- Understanding the basics: A Sankey chart consists of a series of linked rectangular or triangular elements, with the width of each one representing the flow quantity. The direction of the arrows indicates the direction of the flow, and the cumulative width of the path represents the total amount.
- Choosing a software: You can create Sankey charts using various data visualization tools, including Excel, Tableau, Google Sheets, D3.js, or any dedicated business intelligence software. Most have built-in features to help you create Sankey diagrams with ease.
- Organizing data: Start with a table or spreadsheet, where each row represents a source, sink, and the quantity of flow between them. The source and sink can be categories, processes, or entities.
- Graphical elements: Each row should have three sections: (i) source nodes, (ii) intermediate nodes (also called flow or link), and (iii) target nodes. The link’s width is directly proportional to the flow quantity.
- Labeling & formatting: Provide clear labels for nodes and flow values. Adjust colors, fonts, and spacing to enhance readability and aesthetics.
Applications of Sankey Charts
- Process analysis: Sankey charts excel in visualizing and comparing the distribution of resources, such as water usage in a manufacturing plant or energy consumption across different production processes.
- Supply chain management: They can be used to track the movement of goods and materials within a supply chain, highlighting bottlenecks or areas for optimization.
- Transportation logistics: Visualize the flow of goods from origin to destination, with each link representing a transportation mode or distance.
- Environmental impact assessment: Track greenhouse gas emissions or energy consumption in different sectors or industries.
- Policy analysis: Analyze the influence of policies on sectors or economic activities, comparing the ‘in’ and ‘out’ flows.
- Education: explaining complex systems like the water cycle or economic interdependencies, simplifying the information for students.
Best Practices
- Keep it simple: Focus on the most significant flows or relationships. Too many nodes can make the chart cluttered and difficult to interpret.
- Choose appropriate scales: Make sure the width of the links is proportional to the flow values. Using logarithmic or cumulative scales can make large differences more apparent.
- Highlight key points: Use colors, annotations, or annotations to emphasize important nodes or flows.
- Interactivity: In web applications and data dashboards, allow users to explore different scenarios or view changes in the relationships.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a versatile data visualization tool that can uncover complex patterns and relationships. By mastering their creation and applying them effectively, you can unlock the power of visualizing data flow like a pro, making it easier to communicate insights, analyze trends, and drive decision-making. So, the next time you have a flowchart to create, consider Sankey charts – they could make all the difference.
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.
