Applied Bibliometrics: From Data to Publication - Chapter 8 - Interpretation of Sankey Diagrams

Oct 26, 2026

Sankey diagrams visualize bibliometric flows between categories using arrows whose widths encode quantitative magnitude, enabling analysis beyond adjacency graphs. The chapter explains how to interpret dominant and secondary connections, assess isolated nodes, and read temporal changes when diagrams represent successive periods. It further links visual patterns to consolidation, diversification, consolidation or decline of paradigms, and offers contextualized interpretation through triangulation with qualitative evidence. It also outlines Sankey diagram types including thematic evolution and citation flow.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

8.1. Interpretation

Structural components: nodes, flows, direction

Dominant vs secondary flows and isolated nodes

Temporal dynamics across successive periods

Contextualized interpretation and diagnostic use

8.2. Types of Sankey diagrams

Thematic evolution diagrams

Citation flow diagrams

Applied bibliometrics. From data to publication (English Edition) ISBN: 978-9915-9680-7-0 DOI: [10.62486/978-9915-9680-7-0.ch08](10.62486/978-9915-9680-7-0.ch08) ©2025 The authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 License. Sankey Diagrams: Flows And Relationships Between Concepts / Mapas De Sankey: Flujos Y Relaciones Entre Conceptos Sankey maps are a distinctive visual tool that captures flows of varying intensity between different categories or states in a bibliometric system. Unlike traditional graphs that show adjacency or connectivity relationships, Sankey diagrams visualize quantified transfers of resources, research attention, or intellectual influence using arrows whose width is proportional to the magnitude of the flow. This representation is compelling for analyzing temporal trajectories, interdisciplinary transfers, and redistributions of research focus over time. 8.1. Interpretation Proper interpretation of these maps requires understanding that the width of the connections encodes specific quantitative values. At the same time, the spatial arrangement reveals the structure of the system’s relationships. Figure 8.1. Example of a Sankey diagram Reading a bibliometric Sankey diagram involves breaking it down into three main structural components: the nodes representing discrete categories (disciplinary fields, institutions, countries), the flows connecting these nodes indicating transfers or relationships, and the direction indicating the temporal or causal orientation of these transfers. The interpretation begins by identifying the dominant flows, those wider connections that represent the most intense relationships, to understand the main channels of intellectual exchange or institutional collaboration. Subsequently, the analysis shifts to secondary flows, which, although less intense, may reveal emerging connections or specialized niches with potential for future development. Finally, the identification of isolated nodes or those with few connections to areas disconnected from mainstream research, or to opportunities to establish new collaborations. The temporal dimension in Sankey maps adds analytical depth by allowing the tracking of diachronic changes in flow patterns. When the diagram represents successive periods, changes in the thickness of the connections between different temporal segments reveal dynamics of consolidation, diversification, or reorientation of lines of research. The progressive strengthening of specific flows indicates the emergence of new specialties orthe intensification of established collaborations. In contrast, the thinning or disappearance of Sankey diagrams: flows and relationships between concepts / Mapas de Sankey: flujos y relaciones entre conceptos others suggests the decline of paradigms or the breakdown of research alliances. This ability to visualize trajectories makes Sankey maps an exceptional tool for analyzing scientific mobility, the evolution of research interests, and the reconfiguration of disciplinary boundaries. Contextualized interpretation transcends immediate quantitative analysis by integrating explanatory factors that give meaning to the observed patterns. An intense flow between two disciplinary fields may reflect both fruitful integration of conceptual frameworks and mere instrumental appropriation of methodologies, without proper intellectual synthesis. The concentration of flows around specific nodes may indicate genuine intellectual leadership or scale effects derived from the size of research communities. The expert analyst distinguishes among these possibilities by triangulating with qualitative evidence and specialized domain knowledge, transforming the Sankey diagram from a descriptive representation into a diagnostic tool for understanding the dynamics of change in the scientific landscape. The specific bibliometric applications of Sankey maps ra

FAQs

How should the width of Sankey diagram connections be interpreted in bibliometrics?

Connection width encodes specific quantitative values, so wider arrows represent stronger relationships or transfers within the bibliometric system.

What are the three main structural components to read a bibliometric Sankey diagram?

Nodes represent discrete categories, flows connect nodes to indicate transfers or relationships, and the arrow direction provides temporal or causal orientation.

What does analyzing temporal segments in Sankey diagrams reveal?

Comparing thickness across successive time periods shows consolidation, diversification, or reorientation of research lines and dynamics of change.

Oct 26, 2026

Upload by Emma Wilson