The Sankey diagram is a mapping tool for representation of different flow of objects, usually through networks or systems. It uses a flow of different objects to show a graphical representation of the flow of objects. This diagram is also used to compare the volume of different flow with each other or compare it with the average volume of flow.

In this article, we will explore the secrets of Sankey charts to help you understand how to create and interpret the charts effectively. We will also cover some important applications of Sankey charts you should be aware of.

What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey Chart is a type of chart that represents flow patterns in a network. It has multiple lines and nodes connected with arrows, which can be used to represent different flows. The flow can be of different types, such as input flow, output flow, and flow variation.

Sankey charts are used to compare and contrast different sets of flows or to present the volume of different flows. The Sankey chart shows the flow of objects from one place to another, either positive or negative, in a clear visual representation. It is often used for flow data, especially in networks, water management, and energy.

The primary role of Sankey charts is to show the flow of data from one place to another, and how much of it is being consumed by each node in the network. This chart is useful in making predictions, identifying potential sources of errors in data, and making informed decisions based on flow patterns.

How to Create a Sankey Chart?
There are several ways to create a Sankey chart, but here are the steps you could follow;

Step 1: Identify the nodes and flows
The first step is to identify the nodes and flows in your dataset. You need to define the nodes, which are the entities that are involved in the flow pattern. For example, in a water management system, you can identify the sources, processes, and sinks.

There are different ways to define nodes, such as categories, locations, states, or time series. You can also use a combination of the above-mentioned.

Once you have identified the nodes, you can proceed to identify the flows, which are the actions or processes involved in the flow line. In the case of a Sankey chart for water management, the “sources” could be the rain, which is then transported by rivers and groundwater to the sources (“dyes”, “drinks”). The flows are represented by arrows, and the direction of the arrow indicates the flow flow.

Step 2: Draw the lines
With the nodes and flows defined, you can now draw the lines representing the flow pattern. Sankey diagrams use arrows to represent the flow pattern. In a Sankey chart, each line represents a source, destination, or intermediate flow.

You can use different colors to represent the flow, and arrows can be oriented, such as vertical or flipped arrows for a reversed direction.

To draw the Sankey chart, you need to start drawing the line, which can be the direction of the arrow. Then, you need to draw the source node (or the starting point of the flow), and then draw the destination node (or the point where the flow is ending)

To complete the Sankey diagram, you can follow these guidelines:

1. Each line must cover the entire network
2. The flow must be consistent in magnitude
3. The flow must be consistent from start to end
4. The same arrow from a node must not be repeated

Applying Sankey Charts in Real-World Applications
Sankey charts can be used in different real-life applications, whether for planning, monitoring, or control of networks. Examples of real-world applications of Sankey charts include:

1. Water Management: Sankey charts can be used to monitor water usage in a city, the flow of drinking water, and the flow of industrial pollutants.

2. Transportation Networks: Sankey charts can be used to map the flow of traffic, the flow of goods, and the flow of information between different locations.

3. Energy Systems: Sankey charts used to map the flow of energy in a city, the flow of heat, and the flow of electricity.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are valuable visual tools that can help analysts and planners make informed decisions by providing a clear representation of the flow of data. The Sankey chart can be used to represent the flow of different objects in a network and can be applied in various fields, from water management to transportation, and energy systems. By following the above steps, you can create your own Sankey chart or use other online tools to create it. Sankey charts are useful in creating a detailed representation of the various flows in a network, allowing analysts and planners to make informed decisions.

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