Sankey charts are a type of data visualization that have gained increasing popularity over the last several years. These charts are especially helpful in unraveling complex flows and showing how different elements are interconnected. In this article, we will delve into how to create a Sankey chart and explore its various applications.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey diagram is a type of flow chart that is used to visualize the movement of quantities through a system, such as material or energy. The chart is named after_ William Sankey_, a British engineer who produced a series of diagrams in the late 1800s to illustrate the energy efficiency of steam engines.

The key feature of a Sankey chart is its use of arrows or bands that are proportional in width to the quantity being transferred. This makes it easy to understand the relative importance of flows and how they are distributed throughout the system.

Key Elements of a Sankey Chart

To create a Sankey chart, there are a few essential elements to consider:

1. Sources and Sinks: These are the starting and ending points in the flow, where the material or energy begins or ends.
2. Flow: This is represented by the arrows or bands connecting the sources and sinks. The width of the bands is proportional to the value of the flow.
3. Labels: These are used to identify the different flows, either on the bands, at the nodes, or both.

How to Create a Sankey Chart

Creating a Sankey chart involves the following steps:

1. Gather Data: Collect data about the flows you want to visualize, including the sources, sinks, and the value of each flow.
2. Design your Chart: Use a tool or software that allows you to create Sankey diagrams, such as R, Python, Tableau, or online tools like WebSankey or NodeXL.
3. Input Data: Enter the data you collected into the chart creation software. You will need to specify sources, sinks, and the values associated with the different flows.
4. Adjust and Style: Customize the appearance of your chart by adjusting colors, positioning, and adding labels. This will make the chart more readable and aesthetically pleasing.
5. Review and Share: Review the final chart for accuracy and clarity. Share it with your audience to ensure they understand the flow being represented.

Applications of Sankey Charts

Sankey charts are used in a variety of fields to visualize complex flow data, such as:

1. Energy Flow: In industries like oil and gas, electricity distribution, and bioenergy, Sankey diagrams show the source-to-use flow of energy, identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
2. Economic Flows: Economics studies use Sankey charts to depict the flow of goods, services, and currencies between countries or sectors, providing insights into global trade and economic dependencies.
3. Data Flow in IT Systems: In web development or information technology, Sankey charts are useful for visualizing data traffic between different applications, systems, or servers.
4. Supply Chain Analysis: For businesses, Sankey diagrams help in understanding the flow of materials, inventory, and products throughout their supply chain.
5. Environmental Impact Analysis: Sankey charts are used in environmental studies to analyze flows of greenhouse gases, pollutants, and water resources across various industries or geographic regions.

Conclusion

Sankey charts are powerful tools for visualizing complex flows and revealing patterns of interconnectedness within a system. By following the steps to create and customize these charts, you can unlock new insights and make data more understandable and accessible to others. Whether you’re charting the movement of global trade, analyzing the inner workings of an IT system, or studying energy distribution, Sankey diagrams offer a unique way to unravel complexity and facilitate informed decision-making.

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.