Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram used to visualize the distribution or flow of information, energy, or material between nodes in a system. They have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to show the volume and direction of flows in a visually engaging way. In this article, we will explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts and how they can be used to untangle complex data and bring clarity to flows and connections.
History of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts were first introduced in the 19th century by an engineer named Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey. Sankey developed this type of chart to visualize the energy flow within steam engines, making it easier to understand and optimize the efficiency of the machinery. Since then, Sankey charts have been used in a variety of fields, including economics, sociology, and environmental science.
Creation of Sankey Charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves a few key steps. First, you need to define the nodes in your system, which could be locations, products, or data categories. Next, you determine the source and destination of each flow or connection between the nodes. Finally, you use a tool or software program to create the visual representation of the flows and connections.
One popular tool for creating Sankey charts is the Sankey Flow Chart from Visme. This tool provides a user-friendly interface to easily input data, customize the design, and export the chart. Other popular tools for creating Sankey charts include Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and R libraries such as “sankey” and “ggplot2”.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are useful in various fields and applications where there is a need to visualize flows and connections. Here are some examples of how Sankey charts can be used to untangle complex data and bring clarity to various fields:

1. Energy Consumption: Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of energy from sources (such as fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear) to various end-use sectors (such as residential, industrial, and transportation) within a country or organization.
2. Supply Chain Analysis: In the field of supply chain management, Sankey charts can help visualize the flow of goods and materials between factories, warehouses, and customers. This provides insights into bottlenecks, waste, and opportunities for optimization.
3. Marketing Attribution: In digital marketing, Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of website visitors from various sources (such as search engines, social media, and direct traffic) to conversion events (such as purchases, sign-ups, or subscriptions).
4. Social Network Analysis: In sociology, Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of information or influence between individuals or organizations within a social network.
5. Policy Analysis: In public policy, Sankey charts can be used to show the flow of funding or political influence between stakeholders (such as government agencies, advocacy groups, and industry associations) within a policy domain.

Challenges in Creating Effective Sankey Charts
While Sankey charts offer many benefits, there are also challenges in creating effective visualizations that convey meaningful insights. Some of these challenges include:

1. Node Size: Node size can sometimes lead to visual clutter, making it difficult to compare flows between nodes. To address this, it’s crucial to ensure that node size is proportional to flow volume but still visible and distinguishable.
2. Minimizing Cross-overs: In a crowded chart, lines may cross or overlap, obscuring the flows. To minimize this, limit the number of nodes per layer and use color coding to differentiate flows.
3. Color Consistency: Consistency in color usage can enhance the readability of the chart. Use a color palette that reflects the hierarchy or direction of the flows, such as green for inflows and red for outflows.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex flows and connections in various fields. By following best practices for creating effective Sankey charts and addressing challenges such as node size and color consistency, you can unlock valuable insights from your data and make informed decisions based on the visual representation. As more tools and software emerge to support the creation of Sankey charts, their use will likely continue to expand, bringing clarity and understanding to increasingly complex systems.

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