Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that can be used to visualize the movement of data or resources through a system. They are named after the Scottish engineer and inventor Thomas Sankey, who first used them to illustrate the energy flow through a steam engine. In this article, we’ll explore the process of creating a Sankey chart and the various ways it can be used to uncover insights in your data.

Creating a Sankey Chart
A Sankey chart is created by plotting flows of data between different nodes, which represent categories or entities. In order to create a Sankey chart, you’ll need to have your data in a table format, with the source and target nodes listed along with the quantity or value of the flow you want to represent. This data can be collected through surveys, interviews, or by analyzing existing data sources.

Once you have your data, the next step is to create a chart using a data visualization tool. Many tools, such as Tableau, Power BI, and D3.js, offer Sankey diagram templates and features that make it easy to design and customize your chart. The process typically involves dragging and dropping the source and target nodes onto the chart, and connecting them with flow lines that represent the quantity or value of the data being transferred.

There are several different ways to customize your Sankey chart to make it easier to understand and interpret. Some common features include:

1. Color-coding: Assigning different colors to different nodes or flow lines can help identify patterns and trends in the data.
2. Size adjustment: Changing the width of the flow lines to reflect the quantity or value of the data being transferred.
3. Node labels: Including labels on the nodes to provide additional context or information about the categories being represented.

Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a variety of different contexts to uncover insights in your data. Here are a few examples:

1. Business processes: By mapping out the flow of resources or transactions through a company’s internal processes, a Sankey chart can help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies that may be costing the business money or time.
2. Energy systems: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy through a system, such as an electrical power grid or a heating system. This can help identify areas of waste or inefficiency, as well as potential opportunities for improvement.
3. Social networks: By mapping out the flow of information or interactions between individuals or groups, a Sankey chart can help identify clusters of closely connected individuals, as well as key influencers in a network.
4. Climate change: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of greenhouse gases between different sources and sinks, helping to identify the most significant contributors to climate change and potential areas for mitigation.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of data or resources through a system, and can help uncover insights that may not be immediately apparent in raw data. By customizing your chart with color-coding, size adjustment, and node labels, you can create a clear and easy-to-understand representation of your data. Whether you’re analyzing business processes, energy systems, social networks, or climate change, a Sankey chart can help you uncover valuable insights and drive actionable improvements.

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.