Description: A Sankey diagram is a graphical representation that illustrates flows of energy, materials, or information, where the width of the arrows is proportional to the quantity they represent. This visualization allows observers to quickly grasp the magnitude of transfers and effectively compare them. Sankey diagrams are particularly useful in contexts where a clear understanding of how resources are distributed and transferred is required, facilitating the identification of patterns and relationships. Their intuitive design makes them accessible to both experts and the general public, making them a valuable tool in data visualization. Additionally, their ability to simplify complex information into an attractive visual format has led to widespread adoption across various disciplines, including engineering, economics, and sustainability. In summary, Sankey diagrams are a powerful visualization tool that transforms abstract data into clear and comprehensible visual representations, enabling better decision-making and flow analysis.
History: The Sankey diagram was named after the Irish engineer Matthew Henry Sankey, who first used it in 1898 to represent the efficiency of a steam engine. Since then, its use has expanded across various fields, including engineering, economics, and sustainability, evolving over time thanks to advancements in data visualization technology.
Uses: Sankey diagrams are used across multiple disciplines to visualize flows of energy, materials, and costs. They are common in sustainability analysis, where energy flows in energy systems are represented, as well as in economics to show the distribution of financial resources. They are also employed in project management to illustrate workflow and in scientific research to represent complex data in a more understandable way.
Examples: An example of a Sankey diagram is one used in energy flow analysis in a power plant, where energy inputs and outputs are visualized. Another example is in economics, where money flows between different sectors of the national economy can be represented. They are also used in sustainability reports to show resource usage in a company.
