Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are commonly used in fields such as engineering, finance, science, and business to represent the relationships between different elements. They are particularly useful for showing how resources like funds, manpower, or materials are distributed or conserved over time or between specific departments or programs.
In this article, we will explore the basics of creating Sankey charts and understanding their applications in various fields. We will provide examples of how to use Sankey charts to visualize data and demonstrate how their visual style can enhance understanding of complex information.
Visually Enhancing Flow Diagrams
One of the primary advantages of Sankey charts is that they allow you to visualize relationships between different elements. They work well in showing the flow of information from one source to another, for example. They can help you make sense of flow diagrams, allowing you to identify patterns and connections that might be difficult to recognize otherwise.
Understanding how Sankey charts are created requires a basic understanding of flow charts. Flow diagrams typically show the flow of items over time by connecting different elements with arrows. When each element is represented with its own color, it can be useful to color code different source/destination pairs to help identify the direction of flow.
Once you have a basic understanding of flow diagrams and some familiarity with Sankey charts, you can start to experiment with different layouts and visual styles to enhance the clarity and impact of your Sankey chart. For example, you might use a different color scheme to distinguish between different source/destination pairs, use different shapes or symbols to highlight key elements, or even incorporate elements such as scales or labels to provide additional context.
Applications in Business and Finance
Sankey charts have found wide application in the business and finance fields, where they can help explain the flow of information, energy, or resources between different teams, programs, or departments. They are particularly useful for showing how projects are funded, how a company is optimized, or how different regions are distributed resources.
For example, a company might use a Sankey chart to show how resources are distributed across different departments, such as sales, marketing, and research and development. They can also use the chart to show how funds are allocated to different projects or initiatives, highlighting any dependencies or bottlenecks.
Sankey charts can also aid in explaining supply and demand. In this context, they may represent supply and demand curves for different types of resources, such as human labor or raw materials.
Applications in Science and Engineering
In science and engineering, Sankey charts are often used to visualize the flow of fluid, gases, or materials between different regions. They can help explain the distribution of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, the movement of water through aquifers, or the distribution of nutrients in soil.
In the field of oil drilling, for example, Sankey charts can help visualize the flow of oil and gas, showing where different sources of oil are arriving, how much is being extracted, and where the oil is being stored or delivered. They can also help explain the flow of materials between different fields or departments within a petroleum company.
In addition to their practical applications, Sankey charts also have several aesthetic advantages, making them particularly appealing to engineers, scientists, and other professionals involved in complex information visualizations. Their distinctive style can help make complex relationships easier to understand and can enhance the overall impact of the information presented.
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing relationships between different elements and can be used in all fields to help explain complex data in a clear and concise way. By experimenting with different layout styles, you can make your Sankey charts stand out and help them communicate complex concepts more effectively.
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