Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that have revolutionized the way we understand and communicate complex data flows. These fascinating diagrams, named after Sir Isaac Sankey, a British civil engineer, were first introduced in the late 19th century and have since evolved into a go-to choice for scientists, business analysts, and data communicators alike. In this article, we will delve into the world of Sankey charts, exploring their creation, applications, and their remarkable ability to visually tell stories with data.

Understanding Sankey Charts

A Sankey chart, also known as a flowchart or link diagram, is a type of network diagram where connections, or “sankeys,” between entities are portrayed in a linear format. It consists of horizontal or vertical bands, representing the different sources, processes, or destinations, with links or arrows showing the flow of data, materials, or any other quantity. This graphical representation makes it especially effective in highlighting the relative proportions and quantities of a series of interconnected processes.

Creating a Sankey Chart

The process of creating a Sankey chart usually involves the following steps:

1. Defining the Data: Identify the key elements and their relationships. This could include sources, intermediate steps, and destinations, along with the respective amounts or proportions of the flows involved.

2. Selecting a Tool: There are various software tools and online platforms that allow you to create Sankey charts, such as Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or Google Sheets. Most of them have built-in functions or libraries that simplify the process.

3. Choosing a Layout: Decide on the layout style, horizontal or vertical, depending on the data and the information you want to convey. The direction of the arrows also matters; depending on the flow direction, you may need to flip the chart.

4. Draw the Links: Use the chart software to draw the links or arrows, connecting the sources, processes, and destinations according to your data.

5. Improve Readability: Label the nodes, use colors to highlight important information, and ensure the chart has clear and concise labels for the units and quantities.

6. Test and refine: Review your chart for clarity and make any necessary adjustments to improve the readability and presentation.

Sankey Charts in Action

Sankey charts have wide application across various industries, including:

1. Energy and Infrastructure: They are used extensively in power systems, transportation, and natural resource management to represent energy flow or material distribution between stages.

2. Supply Chain Management: In logistics and manufacturing, Sankeys help track and understand the movement of goods throughout the supply chain.

3. Economic Analysis: In economics, Sankey charts can visualize the relationships between factors causing changes in output or investments.

4. Data Analysis: In research, Sankeys can present data on resource allocation, such as in academic research or in policy evaluations.

5. Communication: Their visual clarity makes them ideal for communicating complex data to a wide audience, as they can effectively highlight comparative proportions and trends.

Visual Storytelling Capabilities

Sankey charts are a masterful tool for storytelling with data. By presenting data as interconnected paths, they allow viewers to follow the flow and easily identify patterns, percentages, or fluctuations. Here are a few ways Sankey charts can enhance your storytelling:

1. Comparison and Contrast: By displaying multiple Sankey charts side by side, you can easily compare and contrast different flows or processes.

2. Hierarchical structure: Their nested nature can visually represent the hierarchical structure of processes or categories, aiding in understanding the organization.

3. Dramatic Change:Sankeys can clearly represent shifts in quantity or flow, highlighting areas of impact or change.

4. Visual impact: Their distinct visual format makes them stand out and grab attention, ensuring that data remains the focus of the story.

5. Non-Technical Understanding: Even non-technical stakeholders can understand the flow and implications of Sankey charts, making them accessible for a wide audience.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are an ingeniously simple yet powerful visual tool for unlocking the hidden data flows. As the data landscape continues to evolve, their ability to tell compelling, data-driven stories makes them a valuable asset for any professional. So the next time you encounter a complex flow or data set, consider Sankey charts as a means to bring clarity to your insights and communicate them more effectively.

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.