Sankey charts are a type of flow visualization that graphically illustrate the direction and magnitude of flows between variables. They were first introduced by Scottish engineer Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey in the late 1800s, who used them to visualize the energy flows in steam engines. Today, Sankey charts are used in a variety of applications, from energy consumption to global trade to social network analysis. In this article, we will explore how Sankey charts simplify the visualization of complex data and discuss their creation and applications.
Benefits of using Sankey charts
- Visual clarity: Sankey charts provide a clear and intuitive visualization of data flows, making it easy to understand complex data. The colorful, proportional links between nodes make it easy to see the direction and magnitude of flows.
- Easy comparison: Sankey charts allow for easy comparison of different types of flows, which makes it easy to identify trends and patterns in the data. With a simple color scheme and link thickness, it is easy to compare the magnitude of different flows at a glance.
- Interactive: Sankey charts can be made interactive, allowing users to explore the data in more detail by hovering over or clicking on different nodes or links.
-
Flexibility: Sankey charts can be used to represent a wide range of data, from energy flows to resource allocation to social network analysis. They are particularly useful for visualizing flows that have a clear direction and magnitude, such as energy consumption or trade flows.
Creation of Sankey charts
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps: -
Identify the data: The first step is to identify the data to be visualized in the chart. This could be energy consumption, trade flows, resource allocation, or any other type of data that involves flows between variables.
- Determine the nodes: Nodes are the starting and ending points of the flows. They can represent different sources or destinations, and should be labeled appropriately.
- Identify the links: Links are the connections between nodes. They should be labeled with the magnitude of the flow and optionally the direction.
- Choose a color scheme: Color schemes are used to visually distinguish different flows. They can be based on the magnitude of the flow, the type of flow, or any other relevant data.
- Create a layout: The layout should be designed to make the chart easy to read and understand. This involves deciding on the flow direction and positioning of nodes and links.
- Generate the chart: There are several tools available for creating Sankey charts, including Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and SigmaPlot. These tools provide templates and features to make the creation process easier.
- Review and refine: After creating the chart, it should be reviewed and refined as necessary to ensure that it is clear and easy to understand. This may involve adjusting the colors, layout, or labels.
Applications of Sankey charts
- Energy consumption: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy in power systems, as well as the energy consumption of different sectors or regions.
- Global trade: By visualizing the flow of goods and services between countries, Sankey charts can help to identify trends and patterns in global trade.
- Resource allocation: Sankey charts can be used to show how resources are allocated between different sectors or regions, such as finance, agriculture, or housing.
- Social network analysis: By visualizing the flow of information or resources between different individuals or groups, Sankey charts can help to identify key influencers and relationships within a network.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data flows, making it easy to understand patterns and trends in the data. By using clear and intuitive visuals, Sankey charts can provide valuable insights into important topics
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.
