Description of the Example

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 51 views

Introduction

In the realm of data visualization, there are various techniques to represent complex relationships and hierarchies. One such technique is the Sankey diagram, which is particularly useful for illustrating the flow of energy, materials, or other quantities between different stages or processes. In this example proposal, we aim to create a Sankey diagram using Plotly, a popular Python library for data visualization. This diagram will be based on sustainability data, providing a clear and concise representation of the relationships between different components.

Description of the Example

The Sankey diagram will be created using a dataset that showcases the hierarchy in graphical form. This dataset will be used to plot a Sankey diagram, which is a common way of visualizing sustainability data. The diagram will display the flow of energy or materials between different stages or processes, providing a clear understanding of the relationships between these components.

Files Needed for Running the Example

To run this example, you will need to have the following files:

The dataset used to create the Sankey diagram
The Plotly library installed in your Python environment
The necessary dependencies and packages installed

You can find the necessary files and instructions on how to install the Plotly library on the Plotly website: https://plotly.com/python/sankey-diagram/

Operating System and ANSYS Version

This example has been tested on the following operating system and ANSYS version:

Operating System: Windows
ANSYS Version: 2025 R2

Python Version and Installed Packages

This example has been tested on the following Python version and installed packages:

Python Version: 3.12
Installed Packages: N/A

Creating the Sankey Diagram

To create the Sankey diagram, we will use the Plotly library in Python. The following code snippet demonstrates how to create a basic Sankey diagram:

import plotly.graph_objects as go

# Define the nodes and links
nodes = [
    {"label": "A", "color": "blue"},
    {"label": "B", "color": "red"},
    {"label": "C", "color": "green"},
    {"label": "D", "color": "yellow"},
    {"label": "E", "color": "purple"}
]

links = [
    {"source": "A", "target": "B", "value": 10},
    {"source": "B", "target": "C", "value": 20},
    {"source": "C", "target": "D", "value": 30},
    {"source": "D", "target": "E", "value": 40}
]

# Create the Sankey diagram
fig = go.Figure(data=[go.Sankey(
    node=dict(
        pad=15,
        thickness=20,
        line=dict(color="black", width=0.5),
        label=[node["label"] for node in nodes],
        color=[node["color"] for node in nodes]
    ),
    link=dict(
        source=[link["source"] for link in links],
        target=[link["target"] for link in links],
        value=[link["value"] for link in links]
    )
)])

# Show the Sankey diagram
fig.show()

This code snippet creates a basic Sankey diagram with five nodes and four links. The nodes are colored differently, and the links are labeled with their values.

Customizing the Sankey Diagram

To customize the Sankey diagram, you can modify the code snippet above to suit your needs. For example, you can change the colors of the nodes and links, add more nodes and links, or modify the layout of the diagram.

Conclusion

In this example proposal, we have demonstrated how to create a Sankey diagram using Plotly in Python. This diagram is particularly useful for illustrating the flow of energy, materials, or other quantities between different stages or processes. We have also provided a code snippet that creates a basic Sankey diagram, which can be customized to suit your needs.

Future Work

In the future, we plan to expand this example to include more features and customization options. We also plan to create more examples that demonstrate the use of Sankey diagrams in different contexts.

References

Plotly. (n.d.). Sankey Diagram. Retrieved from https://plotly.com/python/sankey-diagram/

Introduction

In our previous article, we introduced the concept of Sankey diagrams and demonstrated how to create one using Plotly in Python. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about Sankey diagrams and provide additional information to help you get started with creating your own Sankey diagrams.

Q: What is a Sankey diagram?

A Sankey diagram is a type of flow-based visualization that is used to represent the flow of energy, materials, or other quantities between different stages or processes. It is a common way to visualize sustainability data, energy flows, and material flows.

Q: What are the key components of a Sankey diagram?

A Sankey diagram consists of the following key components:

Nodes: These are the individual stages or processes that are represented in the diagram. Each node is labeled with a unique name or identifier.
Links: These are the connections between the nodes that represent the flow of energy, materials, or other quantities. Each link is labeled with a value that represents the amount of energy, materials, or other quantities that are flowing between the nodes.
Colors: Sankey diagrams often use colors to represent different types of energy, materials, or other quantities. This can help to make the diagram more visually appealing and easier to understand.

Q: How do I create a Sankey diagram?

To create a Sankey diagram, you will need to use a data visualization library such as Plotly in Python. You will need to define the nodes and links that make up the diagram, and then use the library to create the diagram.

Q: What are some common use cases for Sankey diagrams?

Sankey diagrams are commonly used to visualize sustainability data, energy flows, and material flows. They are also used to represent the flow of data between different systems or processes.

Q: How do I customize a Sankey diagram?

You can customize a Sankey diagram by modifying the code that creates the diagram. This can include changing the colors of the nodes and links, adding more nodes and links, or modifying the layout of the diagram.

Q: What are some best practices for creating Sankey diagrams?

Here are some best practices for creating Sankey diagrams:

Keep it simple: Sankey diagrams can be complex, so it's best to keep them simple and focused on the key information.
Use clear labels: Make sure to use clear and concise labels for the nodes and links.
Use colors effectively: Use colors to represent different types of energy, materials, or other quantities.
Test and iterate: Test the diagram and iterate on it until you get the desired results.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating Sankey diagrams?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when creating Sankey diagrams:

Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the diagram with too many nodes and links.
Poor labeling: Make sure to use clear and concise labels for the nodes and links.
Inconsistent colors: Use consistent colors to represent different types of energy, materials, or other quantities.
Lack of testing: Test the diagram and iterate on it until you get the desired results.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about Sankey diagrams and provided additional information to help you get started with creating your own Sankey diagrams. By following the best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can create effective Sankey diagrams that help to communicate complex information in a clear and concise way.

References

Plotly. (n.d.). Sankey Diagram. Retrieved from https://plotly.com/python/sankey-diagram/
Sankey Diagram. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankey_diagram