Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help unlock insights by presenting a flow of information or data between different nodes in a visually appealing format. In this article, we’ll explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, explaining how they make complex data easier to understand and interpret.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flow diagram where the width of the arrows or links between nodes shows the magnitude of the flow. Typically used to represent material, energy, or economic flows, these charts are named after Captain Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey, an engineer who used the charts to illustrate the energy efficiency of steam engines.
Key Elements of a Sankey Chart:
- Nodes/Endpoints: These represent the categories from which flows start or end.
- Links or Arrows: They connect nodes and indicate the flow direction and amount.
- Width of Arrows: This visually represents the size (magnitude) of the flow between nodes.
How to Create a Sankey Chart?
Creating a Sankey chart involves choosing the right data format and using a charting library (often in a programming language like Python, JavaScript, etc.) to visualize the data. Here are the general steps to follow:
- Prepare Your Data: Organize your flow data into three main components: source, target, and value (the quantity of flow between sources and targets). Your data should represent the flow between categories.
- Select a Tool: Choose between manual tools (like Microsoft Excel) or code-based solutions (Python, JavaScript, etc.). Tools like Tableau, Power BI, and libraries such as Plotly (Python) or D3.js offer intuitive interfaces or code examples to create Sankey diagrams.
- Define Categories: Clearly define each category or node in your dataset. This might involve creating categories for “sources” and “targets” and ensuring they are labeled accurately.
- Plot the Chart: Use tooltips, labels, or hover effects to provide additional details about specific connections, nodes, or categories on the chart.
- Adjust Settings: Customize the look and feel of your chart (colors, sizes, etc.) to make the data more distinguishable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Review and Iterate: Check the clarity and accuracy of the chart. Iterate on the design if necessary to improve the reader’s understanding of the data flows.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts are especially useful in several industries due to their ability to simplify complex flow data:
- Energy Usage Analysis: In the energy sector, Sankey diagrams depict energy usage and losses across different sources (e.g., fossil fuels, renewable energy, heat losses) and end uses (power generation, heating, cooling).
- Supply Chain Management: For inventory and distribution, Sankey charts can help visualize materials flow, inventory levels, and supplier relationships, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
- Financial Flows: In finance, they represent money flow between different accounts, entities, or sectors, aiding in understanding transactions and identifying high-value streams.
- Sales Channels: In marketing, Sankey diagrams show customer journeys, helping to optimize marketing strategies and track sales conversion rates through different channels.
- Environmental Science: Ecologists and environmental scientists use Sankey diagrams to analyze and visualize flow data related to water cycles, carbon footprints, or material flow in ecosystems.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are an essential tool for anyone looking to visualize and analyze complex flow data, making them invaluable in fields like energy management, supply chain logistics, finance, and environmental studies. By highlighting the significance of different flow paths through width, color, and labels, these charts help in elucidating patterns and trends that might not be immediately apparent in raw data. By following the steps outlined for creating and applying Sankey charts, users can harness the power of these visualizations to make more informed decisions and communicate insights effectively within their organizations.
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.
