Visual Wastage: Unveiling Efficiency with Sankey Charts

The world is increasingly aware of environmental challenges, and waste management, in particular, is a pressing issue of global significance. Visual tools such as Sankey diagrams have emerged as pivotal in understanding and communicating the flow of resources and the extent of waste within various processes, systems, and industries. By providing a clear and compelling visual representation of data, Sankey diagrams help in identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, thereby promoting more sustainable and waste-reducing practices. In this article, we delve into how to create Sankey diagrams, the applications of these charts in various fields, and the pivotal role they play in uncovering efficiency and reducing visual wastage.

What is a Sankey Diagram?

A Sankey diagram, also known as a flow diagram, is a graphical representation of the flow of items between processes, and is used to depict transfers between different data sets. It is particularly useful in visualizing the flow of materials or energy through a system, showing the proportions of flows between processes. Named after Mark B. Sankey, a British engineer who used these diagrams to illustrate the efficiency of steam engines in the late 19th century, today’s Sankey diagrams are digital and can represent a wide array of data.

How to Create a Sankey Diagram

Creating a Sankey diagram involves the following steps:

Data Preparation: Gather the data representing the flow of materials or energy. This data should include both the quantity or volume of the flow and the source or destination of the flow.
Data Organization: Organize the data into a tabular form, typically with columns for source, destination, and quantity. This organization can help in making the data easier to understand and work with.
Choosing a Tool: There are various tools available for creating Sankey diagrams, including online platforms and software. Tools like Tableau, D3.js (JavaScript library for manipulating documents based on data), and Sankey Diagram Maker by Draw.io can be used to create visually appealing Sankey diagrams.
Coding or Using the Interface: If using a coding-based tool like D3.js, one needs to write code to organize and display the data using objects and functions provided by the library. For tools like Draw.io, the interface can be used to drag and drop elements, add text, and customize shapes.
Finalizing: Adjust the position of sources and destinations, adjust width (to represent quantities), and add annotations or labels as necessary to convey the data meaningfully.

Applications of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey diagrams are versatile and can be applied in various fields to illustrate complex systems and flows. Here are a few notable applications:

Sustainable Agriculture: These diagrams can be used to illustrate water usage in agriculture, from supply to consumption and runoff. This helps in understanding and optimizing water usage, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
Waste Management: Sankey diagrams can be used to visualize the flow of materials through waste management systems, highlighting areas of efficiency and waste. This can help in identifying opportunities for reducing or reusing materials.
Energy Flow: In the energy sector, Sankey diagrams are invaluable in visualizing the flow of energy within systems, such as in power plants or transportation. This can help in identifying inefficiencies and ways to improve energy efficiency.
Biodiversity: These diagrams can represent the flow of species through ecological systems, assisting in conservation efforts by identifying critical populations or habitats.

Conclusion

Sankey diagrams are powerful tools for visualizing and understanding the flow of resources or energy within a system. By identifying areas of visual wastage, these diagrams can help in uncovering opportunities for efficiency and sustainability. As global awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the use of Sankey diagrams will likely expand, enabling individuals and organizations to make more informed decisions about managing resources and reducing waste. With the right data and tools, anyone can create their own Sankey diagrams to uncover the efficiency of their processes and contribute to a more sustainable world.

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.