Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for representing flows between different entities, and are commonly used in fields such as energy, economics, and social sciences. These charts are named after the Scottish engineer and mathematician, John V. Sankey, who patented the first Sankey diagram in 1898. In this article, we will discuss the basics of Sankey chart creation, their key features, and how they can be used to create compelling data stories.
What are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts, also known as Sankey diagrams, flow charts or flow maps, are a visual representation of flows between different quantities or categories. They are named after John V. Sankey, who patented the first Sankey diagram in 1898, to be used in demonstrating processes in steam engines. The chart uses different colored bands or arrows connected to a series of nodes, which represent different categories or entities, to show the movement of data between them. The thickness of the lines connecting the nodes represents the magnitude of the flow.
Features of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have several key features that make them effective in communicating complex data relationships. The first feature is the way that they represent the flow of data between categories or entities. The arrows or bands connecting the nodes show the direction and magnitude of the flow, allowing users to see the overall pattern of the data in an intuitive way. Additionally, the colors used to represent different categories help to make the data more visually distinguishable and easier to interpret.
Another key feature of Sankey charts is their ability to show multiple flows simultaneously, making them useful for understanding complex data relationships. By using multiple nodes and arrows, it is possible to represent multiple flows between different entities, while still maintaining clarity and readability. This makes Sankey charts particularly useful for visualizing networks of relationships, such as trade flows between different countries or energy consumption patterns within a system.
Creating Compelling Data Stories with Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used to create compelling data stories by highlighting key trends, relationships, and patterns in the data. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to show the flow of different types of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to different regions of a country. In this case, the chart could highlight the regions that are most heavily dependent on each energy source, as well as the overall trends in energy consumption over time.
Another way that Sankey charts can be used to create data stories is to show the flow of different types of resources between entities. For example, a Sankey chart could be used to show the flow of different types of waste, such as plastic, glass, and metal, between recycling centers, manufacturers, and consumers. In this case, the chart could highlight the amount of waste that is being recycled versus the amount that is being sent to landfills, as well as the overall trends in waste generation and recycling over time.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool for representing complex flows between different entities, making them particularly useful for understanding relationships and trends in data. By using colors, arrows, and nodes, Sankey charts can be used to create compelling data stories that highlight key trends, relationships, and patterns in the data. As with any visualization tool, the key to creating effective Sankey charts lies in choosing the right data and choosing the right display elements to make the data easy to understand and interpret.
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