Open map List

Story Map

A story map is a visual representation that organizes and presents information in a structured, narrative-driven format, often using maps, images, text, and multimedia elements to tell a story spatially. Story maps are widely used in cartography, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), urban planning, history, and education to communicate geographic relationships, historical events, or complex data in an engaging and interactive way.

Intermediate

Introduction

Key Features of a Story Map:

  1. Narrative Flow – Presents information in a logical sequence, guiding the audience through a story.
  2. Geospatial Context – Incorporates maps to show the spatial relationships between events, places, or trends.
  3. Multimedia Integration – Uses images, videos, text, and interactive elements to enhance storytelling.
  4. Interactivity – Allows users to explore the story by interacting with maps, toggling layers, or zooming in on details.
  5. Customization – Can be tailored to specific topics, such as historical events, tourism guides, conservation efforts, or business data.

Explanation

Types of Story Maps:

  • Map Journal – A scrolling narrative with integrated maps and multimedia.
  • Cascade Story Map – A long-form, immersive experience combining large visuals, maps, and storytelling.
  • Swipe/Spyglass – Compares two maps side by side or through an interactive lens.
  • Series Story Map – Organized into sections or tabs for easy navigation between different themes.

Examples

Common Uses of Story Maps:

  • Historical Storytelling (e.g., mapping battles, migrations, or ancient civilizations)
  • Tourism and Travel Guides (e.g., showcasing destinations and cultural landmarks)
  • Disaster Response & Environmental Studies (e.g., tracking hurricanes, wildfires, or deforestation)
  • Urban Planning & Infrastructure (e.g., visualizing transportation networks or zoning changes)
  • Business & Marketing (e.g., mapping market demographics and customer insights)

Popular Platforms for Creating Story Maps:

  • Esri StoryMaps (ArcGIS StoryMaps)
  • Google Earth Projects
  • CartoDB
  • StoryMapJS

Outgoing relations