Sankey charts have become increasingly popular in recent years for presenting complex data flow. Unlike more popular charts like pie charts or bar charts, which focus on individual values, Sankey charts use flow lines to show the relative amounts of different flows within a system. This makes them extremely useful for analyzing information and identifying patterns in complex data.
In this article, we’ll take a step-by-step look at how to create a Sankey chart and what data flow patterns you can expect to see. We’ll also discuss the various applications of Sankey charts and how they can be used in real-world scenarios.
Creating a Sankey Chart
The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to choose your data. This can be simple if you’re only interested in a single flow pattern, but it can become quite challenging if you’re working with large data sets. One option is to create a scatter plot and overlay a line along the flow direction to represent the amount of each type of flow.
Once you have your data, the next step is to choose the appropriate axes for your chart. In the case of a Sankey chart, the left- and right-hand axes will likely represent different types of flows, and the bottom axis will represent the overall flow amount. For example, you might have a row labeled “Source” and a column labeled “Target,” and the other axis to the right would represent the flow values from the source to the target.
It’s also important to choose the right color scheme for your data. Sankey charts usually use a light background color and a dark color for the lines and labels. You can choose any combination of colors to suit your needs, but it’s generally best to use distinct colors to distinguish different types of flows.
When creating your Sankey chart, the next step is to add the flow lines. Sankey charts typically use a line style that is thicker for the lines representing large volumes of flow, and thinner for smaller volumes. You can also adjust the placement of the flow lines by choosing a different starting point for the lines.
Analyzing the Data
Once you’ve created your Sankey chart, it’s time to start analyzing the data. One way to do this is to identify the flow patterns that stand out as particularly significant in the data. You can also explore correlations between different flows and identify any outliers or anomalies in the data.
Sankey charts can also be used to identify key nodes or nodes with high flow values. By highlighting these nodes or nodes with high flow values, you can quickly identify the most important flows within the system. This is especially useful when analyzing large data sets or complex systems.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are widely applicable in a variety of fields, including business, government, and academia. Here are some examples of how they can be used:
– Supply Chain Logistics: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of materials between various locations in a supply chain logistics network.
– Environmental Science: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of pollutants within an environmental system, such as a factory or a river.
– Energy Flow Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of energy within an oil pipeline, power plant, or other energy production system.
– Financial Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to analyze the flow of funds between different economic sectors, such as government spending, corporate profits, and foreign aid.
In conclusion, Sankey charts provide a powerful tool for presenting complex data flow patterns. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a Sankey chart that accurately represents the data you need to analyze and gain valuable insights into the world around you.

SankeyMaster

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