Sankey Diagrams are a visual representation of the flow of data, usually presented in the form of a network of lines and nodes. These diagrams are useful for analyzing complex data flows, such as traffic congestion on highways, food production and distribution, and more. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey diagrams and show you how to create your own. We will also discuss how to use these diagrams in applications such as supply chains, energy production, and more. Here’s everything you need to know!

Creating a Sankey Diagram
A Sankey diagram consists of a primary axis that represents the flow of data, usually a directed line. In the diagram, each node represents a source, sink, or intermediate point in the flow of data. The width and color of the lines represent the volume of flow at the corresponding node. Nodes can be connected to other nodes through arrows, allowing you to model the flow of information or physical resources between them.

Sankey diagrams can be created using spreadsheets or graphing software. Start by identifying the data you want to represent, and then draw lines between the nodes that represent the flow of data. You can also add arrows to show the direction of the flow and add labels for each node to identify the source, sink, or intermediate point. To make your diagram more visually appealing, you can use color to differentiate between sources, sinks, and intermediate points and use line width to show the volume of the flow.

Creating Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey diagrams can be used in a variety of applications, such as supply chains, energy production, and transportation. For example, a supply chain diagram can show the flow of materials, components, and finished goods between suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and distributors. Here’s how you can create a supply chain diagram using Sankey diagrams:

• Identify the nodes that represent the source of materials or components, the manufacturing facilities, and the destination of finished goods. This should be based on the information you have about each supplier or manufacturer and the distributors.
• Draw lines between the nodes that represent the flow of data, connecting each node to other nodes through arrows. This should show the flow of materials and components, with each node representing a specific process or activity.
• Use color to differentiate between sources and sinks and line width to show the volume of flow. For example, you may want to use a light green color for suppliers and a red color for distributors.
• Add arrows to show the direction of the flow and use labels to identify the node associated with each supplier or manufacturer and the distributor.

Sankey diagrams can also be used to analyze the energy production process. For example, a Sankey diagram can be used to represent the flow of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished energy products between different stations in a power plant or a manufacturing facility. Here’s how you can create a Sankey diagram to represent energy production:

• Identify the nodes that represent the source of raw materials, the production facility, and the destination of energy products. This should be based on the information you have about each station or facility and the flow of energy.
• Draw lines between the nodes that represent the flow of data, connecting each node to other nodes through arrows. This should show the flow of raw materials and intermediate products, with each node representing a specific process or activity.
• Use color to differentiate between sources and sinks and line width to show the volume of flow. For example, you may want to use a light green color for the source of raw materials and a dark green color for the finished energy product.
• Add arrows to show the direction of the flow and use labels to identify the node associated with each station or facility and the finished energy product.

Conclusion
Sankey diagrams are a useful tool for analyzing complex data flows and their applications are numerous. By learning to use Sankey diagrams and identifying the sources, sinks,
and intermediate points in data flows, you can create insightful visual representations that can help you identify
the flow of data and their impact on any given system. In this article, we’ve explored the basics of Sankey diagrams and how to create your own. Remember, the key to effective Sankey diagram use is to visualize the flow of data and communicate the information 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.