Sankey charts are a powerful data visualization tool that have revolutionized the way we represent complex flows and connections between entities in a visual and intuitive manner. Originally developed by William Sankey in the early 20th century to showcase energy distribution, these diagrams have since found a multitude of applications across various industries,from business analysis to scientific research. In this article, we’ll delve into the principles of Sankey chart creation, their applications, and the benefits they offer in unraveling data flow and connections.
基础知识：Sankey diagrams
A Sankey chart, also known as a flow diagram or flow mapping, is a graphical representation of a flow or process where the size of the links between nodes indicates the quantity or relative quantity of the information or substance passing through them. The diagrams consist of series of links, arranged horizontally or vertically, connecting rectangular nodes where input and output values are specified. The width of the link is directly proportional to the magnitude of the flow or change between nodes.
Creating Sankey Charts: A Step-by-Step Process
1. Identify the Process or Flow: Determine the data you want to visualize, such as resource allocation, project milestones, or supply chains.
2. Sketch a Blueprint: Create a simple, disconnected flow using rectangles for nodes and arrows for flow paths. Represent inputs (sources) on the left and outputs (sinks) on the right.
3. Calculate Relative Quantities: For each connection, you’ll need to quantify the flow amounts. This is usually done by obtaining data or assigning values to the width of the links.
4. Scale and Dimension: Adjust the size of nodes and links to visually balance the data and highlight significant quantities.
5. Label and Adjust: Add labels for nodes and keys to explain the data, and ensure the chart is clear and comprehensive.
Applications of Sankey Charts: A Wide Range
1. Resource Allocation: Mapping out the distribution of resources within a project, for instance, in energy infrastructure, transport systems, or budget allocation among departments.
2. Supply Chain Analysis: Clearly illustrating the movement of goods or services through a company’s operations or global supply network.
3. 项目管理: Visualizing project milestones, tasks, and dependencies, enabling stakeholders to assess progress and plan resource allocation.
4. Economic Analyses: Measuring the volume of trade between countries, sectors, or industries through international trade data.
5. Environmental Studies: Tracking energy usage, carbon emissions, and waste disposal in environmental assessments.
6. Policy Design: Illustrating policy interventions, subsidies, or regulations and their effects on various sectors.
Power of Sankey Charts: Enhanced Understanding
Sankey charts provide a clear, non-linear, and hierarchical view of data, making it easier for users to understand the relationships between different aspects. This is particularly useful in identifying bottlenecks, connections, or variations in a flow. As a comparison tool, Sankey charts are more effective than bar charts or pie charts when showing flow quantities, as they maintain the proportional relationship between variables.
Collaboration and Communication: With Sankey charts, complex data can be shared and discussed at a glance, fostering collaboration and understanding among stakeholders. They can also be easily updated and modified, making it a dynamic tool for monitoring changes over time.
In conclusion, Sankey charts represent a powerful data visualization tool capable of condensing intricate data flows into a visual format. Their ability to clearly display connections and quantities makes them an indispensable component in various industries and decision-making processes. By learning to create and interpret Sankey charts, we can unlock a more comprehensive understanding of the complex systems around us.
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