Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that are widely used to visualize the movement of quantities between different categories or stages in a process. They are particularly useful for representing complex systems and for highlighting the movement of resources or data through various stages. In this article, we’ll explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, and how they can help us better understand and visualize the intricacies of complex systems.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Sankey charts are composed of various elements, including nodes, links, and flows. Nodes represent the categories or stages in a process, while links represent the connections between the nodes. Flows, on the other hand, represent the movement of quantities between the nodes, and are typically depicted as arrows on the links. Here are the steps to create a Sankey chart:

1. Identify the data sources: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to identify the data sources. This will involve determining the categories or stages in your process, as well as the quantities that are being moved between those stages.
2. Choose a tool: Once you have your data sources, you’ll need to choose a tool for creating your chart. There are many options available, including free and paid software such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and Draw Sankey Chart.
3. Organize the data: After you’ve chosen your tool, you’ll need to organize your data. This typically involves creating a table that lists the categories or stages in your process, as well as the quantities being moved between those stages.
4. Create the chart: Once your data is organized, you can start creating your Sankey chart. This will involve positioning the nodes, creating the links, and adding the flows. You’ll also need to format the chart, including adjusting the color scheme to ensure clarity and enhancing the chart’s visual impact.
5. Review and refine: After you’ve created your chart, review it for accuracy and clarity. If necessary, make any refinements or adjustments that may be required.

Sankey Chart Applications
Sankey charts are widely used across a variety of domains, including business, science, and engineering. Here are some of their key applications:

1. Business: Sankey charts are commonly used in business to visualize supply chains, financial transactions, and product cycles. They can help organizations identify inefficiencies, optimize resource allocation, and highlight key areas for improvement.
2. Science: Sankey charts are frequently used in scientific research to depict the flow of resources through ecosystems, the movement of cells through biological processes, and the pathways of data in computational models.
3. Engineering: Sankey charts are often used in engineering to visualize the flow of water and air in HVAC systems, the movement of energy through electrical grids, and the distribution of materials in manufacturing processes.
4. Data analysis: Sankey charts are also commonly used in data analysis, particularly in the field of data visualization. They can be used to represent the flow of data through complex systems, such as software pipelines or data pipelines in machine learning.

In conclusion, Sankey charts offer a powerful tool for visualizing complex systems and the flow of quantities between different stages. With their ability to convey intricate information in a visually intuitive way, Sankey charts enable individuals and organizations to gain insights into complex processes and to make more informed decisions.

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