Sankey charts are a type of diagram that visualize the flow of flows in networks. They are a powerful and visual way to understand the different parts of a network and their relationships.
In this blog post, we will explore the basic concepts of a Sankey chart and introduce you to two popular examples of their application: the flow of oil in the Gulf of Mexico and the San Francisco Bay.
Understanding Sankey Charts
Sankey charts use a linear path and arrow configuration to represent the flow of a flowchart. The basic elements of a Sankey chart are the following:
1. The Source Node: This is the starting point of a flow, from which other nodes receive this flow.
2. The Destination Node: This is the destination of the flow, from which the flow is directed away.
3. The Sankey Path: This is the actual path along which the flow is traveling.
4. The Arrow Type: A Sankey chart can be organized with different arrow types, such as single, double, and trilateral arrows.
5. The Label: This is a label that is displayed at the node that represents the flow of the node.
Application of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are useful in various fields, including transportation systems, supply chains, and business processes. They are often used to show the flow of materials, energy, and information in complex networks.
Here are two examples of applications of Sankey charts:
Example 1: Flow of Oil in the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a significant source of oil and gas.
When oil is extracted from the Gulf of Mexico, it is sent to various refineries, where it is transformed into a variety of products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel.
Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico. The chart is organized as follows:
1. The Source Node: The oil well is the starting point of the flow, from which the oil is extracted and sent to various refineries.
2. The Destination Node: The refineries and distribution centers are the destinations of the flow, where the oil is transformed into a variety of products.
3. The Sankey Path: The diagram represents the flow of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico using a linear path and arrow configuration.
4. The Arrow Type: The single arrows indicate the flow of oil from the source node to multiple destinations.
5. The Label: Each node has a label that represents the flow of the node and the product it produces.
Example 2: Flow of Water in the San Francisco Bay
The San Francisco Bay is the largest estuary in the western United States.
Water from the Bay is circulated through a variety of systems, including the Bay itself, urban infrastructure, and agricultural systems.
Sankey charts are often used to visualize the flow of water in the San Francisco Bay. The chart is organized as follows:
1. The Source Node: The urban infrastructure and agricultural systems are the source nodes, where water is extracted or contaminated.
2. The Destination Node: Parks, recreational areas, and industrial parks are the destinations of the flow, where water is used for recreation and industrial processes.
3. The Sankey Path: The diagram represents the flow of the water in the San Francisco Bay using a linear path and arrow configuration.
4. The Arrow Type: The double arrows indicate the flow of water from the source node to multiple destinations.
5. The Label: Each node has a label that represents the flow of the node and the purpose for which it is used.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a useful tool for understanding the flow of flows in networks. They are a powerful way to visualize the different parts of a network and their relationships. Whether applied to oil exploration, urban infrastructure, or recreational areas, Sankey charts provide a visual representation of the flow of flows in complex networks.

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