Visualizing Data using Esri StoryMaps

Getting Started

Note: Some part of this tutorial uses data downloaded from Los Angeles Open Data portal (see: Quick Visual Guide to Visualizing Data on LA Open Data Portal)

1. StoryMaps are a powerful tool for combining spatial data and narrative. For an introduction to building narratives and a list of examples, check out these this wonderful guides from Esri for creating StoryMaps: Nine Steps to Great Storytelling
2. UCLA story map about story maps (https://arcg.is/5vCnb )
3. Browse the ESRI Story Map Gallery for inspriation: (https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-storymaps/stories )
4. Navigate to ArcGIS StoryMaps (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories) and login if you have an account..
5. If you do not have an ArcGIS account then create your ArcGIS Online Public Account here: (https://www.arcgis.com/home/createaccount.html)

6. Select Create a new story and begin adding images, videos and content.

Designing your StoryMap

1. Click Design to customize your StoryMap theme, cover, accent colors, font, & add a logo.

Esri StoryMaps consists of “content blocks” these have different types, such as pictures, text, and maps.

Adding Content Blocks

1. Click Add Content Block

2. Review the various content block types to build your narrative. Select Map.

3. There are two options for adding maps: a) Create an Express Map and b) Add an existing ArcGIS Online web map.

Adding a Sidecar

1. Sidecars are like Powerpoint or Prezi, where you can add accompanying slides, they are perfect for explaining your pictures, graphs, maps, and datasets.

2. For an introduction to sidecar, see Esri’s 6 Ways to Use Sidecar in the New ArcGIS StoryMaps

Creating an Express Map

1. Express Maps are perfect for creating quick and simple maps. Select Create an express map.

2. The Search by location bar allows users to quickly locate specific sites.

3. Search for Los Angeles, CA.

4. Click Add to map from results window.

5. For more information on when and how to use Express Maps see Esri’s Introducing Express Maps: Making Simple Maps Simply.

Adding an Existing ArcGIS Online Web Map

1. The second option for adding a map block consists of adding a web map. Let’s add the map we created in the previous Quick Guide to Visualizing Data in ArcGIS Online.

1. Note: Web Maps must be shared publicly in order to be viewed by people other than yourself without requiring a login. Make sure to check your sharing settings before adding a web map. Click on the information icon to direct you to the map’s description page.

2. Observe the sharing status statement on the right pane. To update the sharing setting click on the Share button.

3. Check the box next to Everyone(Public) and click OK.

2. Once the map is placed, try different block display options such as float, small, medium or large.

Publishing & Sharing your Story Map

1. When you are finished editing and designing your Story Map, click Publish at the beginning of the StoryMap to update the sharing settings of your StoryMap.

2. Select your preferred sharing type. If you want anyone to access your StoryMap make sure to select Everyone. Click Publish Story.