Sankey charts have long been a staple in data visualization, providing a unique way to represent flow data. These charts use arrows to show the movement of data between different nodes, making it easy to see the direction and magnitude of each flow. In recent years, the popularity of Sankey charts has grown as more data sources become available and industries seek more efficient ways to work with complex data sets. Today, we’ll explore the intricate methods of creating Sankey charts and the various applications where they can be used to untangle complexity.
Creating a Sankey Chart
For those unfamiliar with Sankey charts, the creation process may initially seem intimidating. Fortunately, this is largely a misconception. Now, thanks to user-friendly tools like Tableau, PowerBI, and many others, the creation of a Sankey diagram can be streamlined to a matter of minutes.
Step 1: Gathering Your Data
To create a Sankey chart, you’ll first need a data set that displays flows. This can be anything from supply chain interactions to energy generation and distribution, financial transactions, internet traffic, and many more.
Step 2: Mapping Data Nodes
The next step is selecting the start, end, source (input), and target (output) node for each flow in your data. The nodes generally represent categories or nodes in your system.
Step 3: Choosing Flow Weights
The width of each arrow indicates the flow between the source and target nodes. Typically, larger arrows represent more significant flows. The size of the link or the bandwidth can be directly proportional to the total amount being moved or processed by the nodes involved in the flow.
Step 4: Customizing and Designing
Once your nodes and flows are set, it is time to customize the chart. This can include arranging the node positions, selecting the color scheme, adding labels, titles, and legends. You can also add tooltips to detail the flow amount on hover.
Step 5: Review and Iterate
The final step before publishing is a thorough review of your Sankey chart to ensure it is clear, accurate, and informative. Depending on the feedback received, iterations can improve the chart’s effectiveness.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts’ potential doesn’t end in theory. Below, we explore five real-world applications where these visual tools flourish in making complex data more accessible:
1. Supply Chain Analysis
Understanding the flow of products, materials, or data through various stages of the supply chain is crucial for optimizing operations and maintaining efficiency. Sankey diagrams can visualize the origin, destination, and volume of the flows, helping managers identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
2. Energy Systems and Sustainability
In sectors focusing on renewable energy, oil and gas extraction, and urban energy networks, Sankey charts can showcase the sources of energy, energy losses, and how effectively the energy is being utilized or converted. They can offer a comprehensive overview of energy flows in both industrial and domestic scenarios.
3. Financial Flows and Decision-Making
Sankey diagrams can help financial analysts identify cash inflows and outflows, revealing which parts of their business are contributing significantly to profits or driving costs. This insight can inform strategic decisions, improve cash flow management, and detect potential financial risks or opportunities.
4. Social Network Analysis
Applicable in human resource management, political strategy, and social science research, Sankey charts can illustrate the relationships and interactions between different groups, individuals, or platforms. By mapping out connections and flows, they aid in understanding how information or resources move through social networks.
5. Internet and Network Flow
In the digital world, Sankey diagrams can depict website navigation patterns, web traffic, and user interactions with online platforms. This analytics view offers website administrators a clear understanding of which pages drive the most traffic, which content appeals most to visitors, and how new users engage with the site.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a fundamental tool for understanding and presenting flow data, providing detailed insights into various complex systems. As data becomes more significant in everyday decision-making, this visualization technique continues to evolve in its applications and effectiveness. By applying techniques of data gathering, mapping, customization, and iteration, you can create engaging, informative Sankey diagrams that help untangle the complexities inherent in our digital and physical world.
With these tools and strategies in mind, data specialists and visual designers can harness Sankey charts to illuminate intricate processes, guide business decisions, and enhance our understanding of a wide array of interconnected 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.
