Sankey charts, named after Mark L. Sankey in the late 19th century, are graphical tools that offer a comprehensive visual representation of complex data flows and transfers. They are widely used in various fields, including energy, transportation, economics, and environmental science, to illustrate the movement of energy, resources, or data. These charts are particularly useful for understanding the distribution of energy and materials in processes and systems, making them an indispensable tool for efficiency analysis and optimization.
How Sankey Charts Work
Sankey diagrams visually depict how quantities flow from one place to another. They consist of several bars or arrows of varying widths, with the width of each bar representing the proportion of the total quantity that is being transferred between two points or stages. The direction of the flow is indicated by the orientation of the bars or arrows, and the scale is usually depicted on the left side of the chart. They are often used to illustrate complex systems, showing the flow of energy, water, resources, or information.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, from gathering relevant data to using specific software or programming languages for visualization. Here’s a simplified guide:
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Data Collection: Gather quantitative data on the sources and destinations of the flow (e.g., energy production and consumption). Ensure your data is accurate and reflects the scale or proportion you wish to depict.
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Data Cleaning: Clean your data and ensure it is in the right format for Sankey diagram creation. This usually involves aggregating data to ensure that the total quantity of transfer is equal to or close to 100% to represent a system that is in balance.
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Software Selection: There are several tools and languages available for creating Sankey diagrams, including R, Python, Tableau, and more specialized software like Process_Sankey or SAS. Each has its pros and cons, and the choice will depend on your technical skills and the specific requirements of your project.
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Graph Construction: Using the software of your choice, determine the positions of nodes (sources and destinations) based on your data. Create and position arrows (or bars) from the sources to destinations, adjusting their widths according to the proportion of the total quantity. Add labels to each node and arrow to clarify the names of the sources, destinations, and flows.
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Final Touches: Review your Sankey diagram for accuracy, clarity, and visual appeal. Ensure that the scale and orientation are clear, and that the colors and fonts add to the overall user-friendliness of the chart.
Applications of Sankey Diagrams
Sankey diagrams are invaluable for understanding the flow of energy in renewable energy systems, analyzing the efficiency of industrial processes, visualizing the flow of data in information systems, and assessing the distribution of resources in environmental studies. Their ability to visualize data flows allows for easier analysis of how energy or material is consumed, lost, and efficiently distributed.
Summary
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of data, energy, or resources. Their ability to depict complex processes in a clear and intuitive manner makes them an essential tool for professionals working in fields where tracking and understanding these flows is critical. Whether you’re in a data-centric industry or need to understand the flow of energy or materials in a system, Sankey diagrams can offer valuable insights and help in identifying areas for improvement or optimization.
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.
