Sankey charts, also known as network diagrams, have emerged as a powerful tool in visualizing data flow and transient connections, particularly in fields like engineering, project management, and data analysis. These graphical representations provide a clear and intuitive way to show the flow of resources, information, or any other entity between interdependent nodes or processes, making it easier to grasp complex systems and understand the dynamics at play.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts, first developed by the late British engineer William Sankey in 1890, are a variation of flow diagrams. They consist of a series of arrows or links connecting rectangles, with each rectangle representing a source, consumer, or a node in the flow. The width of the arrows represents the volume or quantity of the flow, enabling a direct comparison of the contributions from different sources or the allocation to various destinations.
Creating Sankey Charts: A Step-by-Step Process
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Identify the Source and Destination: Start by specifying the primary elements you want to visualize, such as inputs, outputs, or processes. Each element will become a rectangle with specific labels indicating its origin or destination.
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Establish Flow Rates: Assign quantities or weights to the arrows connecting each source and destination. Be sure to normalize the flow if necessary, so all units are comparable.
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Visualize Relationships: Draw arrows to show the direction of the flow. The width of the arrows indicates the volume, with thicker connecting bars representing larger quantities. If flow changes dynamically, use different line types or colors to represent different states.
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Group and Cluster: For complex systems, group similar nodes or processes together to improve readability.
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Label and Annotation: Clearly label each rectangle, source, destination, and any meaningful information, such as time, step, or units.
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Visual Clarity: Ensure a clear layout to guide the reader’s eye from start to finish. Organize the chart logically, either top-down or left-to-right.
Sankey Charts: Applications
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Engineering and Infrastructure: Sankey charts are commonly used in project management for showcasing the flow of resources or materials in a supply chain, helping to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and potential disruptions.
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Business Processes: In the business world, Sankey diagrams are utilized to track financial transactions, employee movement, or the distribution of tasks within departments.
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Environmental Analysis: Environmental researchers and policymakers employ Sankey charts to illustrate the flow of pollutants, energy consumption, or the transfer of materials through ecosystems.
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Network Analysis: Social scientists and network analysts use Sankey charts to represent the flow of interactions, relationships, or information in complex networks.
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Data Visualization: In data analysis, Sankey charts are an effective way to compare and contrast the magnitude of data between different categories or variables.
Benefits of Sankey Charts
- Visual Clarity: The use of width to represent flow volume makes it easier to understand the relative significance of connections.
- Transparency: The chart structure clearly shows the relationship between entities, allowing for effective communication and analysis.
- Dynamic Representations: Sankey charts can handle complex, transient connections by updating the flow based on real-time data or changes.
- Ease of Interpretation: With well-organized charts, even non-technical stakeholders can grasp the flow patterns quickly.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are an indispensable tool in visualizing data flow and transient connections in a variety of fields. By effectively communicating the dynamics of complex systems, they improve decision-making, productivity, and understanding. So, if you need to represent, analyze, or communicate data in a flow-oriented manner, consider incorporating Sankey charts into your visualizations.
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