Unsilo the Flow: Dive into the Art and Science of Sankey Diagrams
Sankey diagrams are a unique and visually rich way to depict the flow of material, energy, or information. These diagrams are widely used in engineering, environmental science, economics, and network analysis, providing a powerful tool for data visualization that combines the arts and the sciences. As businesses and researchers look to make more sense of their complex data, the art and science of creating Sankey diagrams becomes a crucial skill. Let’s unsilo the flow and explore the world of Sankey diagrams.
The Art of Sankey Diagrams
What are Sankey Diagrams?
Sankey diagrams are named after their inventor, Engineer Maximilian Sankey, who devised them in the late 19th century to illustrate the energy conversion and distribution in steam engines. At their core, they are flow diagrams where the width of the line between two entities indicates the quantity of the flow — the larger the flow, the broader the line.
The art of Sankey diagram creation lies in their simplicity and the ability to convey complex information through intuitive visuals. The diagrams provide a birds-eye view of the data flow, highlighting where the flow is highest and lowest, and where the ‘hot spots’ (intense flows) occur.
Visual Design Principles
Creating an effective Sankey diagram is more than just connecting nodes with lines; it involves understanding visual design principles to ensure clarity and impact:
- Balanced Visualization: Ensure that the drawing is visually balanced, so no part of the diagram appears significantly busier or less informative.
- Consistent Line Width: Use consistent line widths across similar flows to maintain coherence and make the diagram easily comprehensible.
- Color Coding: Apply color codes to classify flows according to type or origin.
- Labeling and Title: Be descriptive with your labels and include a clear title that explains what the diagram is about.
- Simplicity: The simpler the diagram, the easier it is to understand.
The Science Behind Sankey Diagrams
Creating Sankey Diagrams
The science behind Sankey diagrams involves several factors that influence their creation:
Data Collection
Gathering accurate flow data is crucial. The diagram needs a clear understanding of the system it is meant to represent, which could be about products and services through supply chains, energy flow through power systems, or data transfer in a network.
Data Processing
After data is collected, it must be converted into Sankey diagram format. This conversion is often done through specialized software that helps in creating accurate lines that represent the flow of materials, energy, or information.
Sankey Diagram Software
Multiple software programs allow for the creation of Sankey diagrams, with some popular options including:
- Sankey Editor (free software)
- TINA-TI (a more sophisticated tool with advanced features and capabilities)
- Python libraries like
python_sankey - R tools like
Sankeyo
Each of these software options has its own set of strengths and features, from free and open-source to powerful, professional tools.
Applications of Sankey Diagrams
Sankey diagrams are employed in a wide variety of fields and contexts because of their ability to visualize large, complex data sets more clearly:
- Energy Systems: Representing the efficiency and flow of energy in various processes, like the energy sector.
- Environmental Science: Illustrating patterns of material transport and ecosystem flows.
- Business and Economics: Tracking the flow of money or resources in various economic systems or companies.
- Information Technology: Visualizing the data flow through IT systems and networks.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: Visualizing the movement of products and components through supply chains worldwide.
Conclusion
Sankey diagrams are a visual art form that merges technical proficiency with creative design. By unsiloing the flow, we can uncover the hidden flow of information and resources, giving us insight into complex systems. Whether you’re an engineer, a data scientist, or anyone working with systems and data, it’s worth diving into the art and science of Sankey diagrams to add this powerful tool to your analytical arsenal. With the right data, processing, and design considerations, anyone can create Sankey diagrams that not only stand out aesthetically but also provide valuable insights into the flow of their chosen systems.
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.
