Sankey charts are a visual way of representing flows of data and resources. They were originally developed in the 18th century to show how coal moved through a factory, but they have become more prevalent in recent years as a tool for visualizing complex data and understanding relationships between entities. In this article, we will explore how to create and utilize Sankey charts to make sense of data that would otherwise be difficult to understand.
Overview
A Sankey chart is a type of flow diagram that uses arrows to show the movement of data or resources through a system. The width of the arrows is proportional to the flow rate, and each node represents a point where the flow enters or exits the system. The chart displays a network of interconnections and highlights the major flows and patterns within the data.
Components of a Sankey Chart
The key components of a Sankey chart include:

1. Source and destination: The starting and ending points of the flow, represented by nodes.
2. Flow quantities: The amount of data or resources that move from the source to the destination, represented by the width of the arrows.
3. Labels: Descriptions of the source, destination, and flow quantities, used to provide context for the chart.
4. Colors: Different colors may be used to differentiate between different types of flows or groups of data.

Creating a Sankey Chart
To create a Sankey chart, you first need to organize your data in a specific format. A Sankey chart is usually created using a spreadsheet program like Excel or a data visualization tool like Tableau. Here are the steps to create a basic Sankey chart:

1. Prepare your data: Your data should be organized into three main columns: source, value, and destination. The “source” column represents the starting point of the flow, the “value” column represents the quantity of data or resources flowing, and the “destination” column represents the ending point of the flow.
2. Choose a layout: Decide on the layout of your chart, including the orientation (horizontal or vertical), the order of the nodes, and the spacing between the nodes.
3. Select a visualization tool: Choose a tool that can create Sankey charts, such as Excel, Tableau, or a specialized data visualization software like D3.js, that can create interactive charts.
4. Input your data: Enter your data into the visualization tool, mapping each column to the corresponding chart components.
5. Customize your chart: Adjust the colors, labels, and formatting of the chart to make it more readable, and add any additional elements or features that you want, such as a tooltip to display additional information when hovering over an arrow.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have a wide variety of applications across different industries and fields. Here are some examples:

1. Energy usage: Sankey charts can be used to visualize how energy flows through a power grid, showing how much energy is consumed and where it is going. They can also be used to analyze energy consumption in buildings, factories, or households.
2. Financial flows: Sankey charts can be used to represent financial transactions, such as investments, loans, or taxes. They can show how money moves between different companies or individuals, and highlight the major revenue streams and spending patterns.
3. Traffic flow: Sankey charts can be used to visualize road traffic patterns and transportation systems, such as public transit routes, airline flights, or shipping routes. They can show the flow of people or goods between different cities or countries, and help identify bottlenecks or areas that need improvement.
4. Energy conservation: Sankey charts can be used to show the relationship between different energy conservation measures and their impact on reducing energy usage. They can also show the potential impact of different renewable energy sources on the overall energy landscape.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data and understanding the flow of resources through a system. They are easy to read and can highlight important patterns and relationships within the data, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in various fields. By using a well-designed Sankey chart, you can communicate your findings effectively, and gain deeper insights into the data you are working with.

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