Blog Post: Tutorial Using StoryMap

Introduction

ArcGIS Online has been a useful data visualization tool to support mapping locations and creating a map. In class, we have had experience using ArcGIS Online when we mapped various locations of Carleton College. However, this tutorial will expand on ArcGIS Online by implementing other relevant information about a location with the help of StoryMap. StoryMap can be an interactive way to portray the significance of the location by including images and descriptions about the location. This is important because a viewer will have a better understanding of this location and can engage with the map. Additionally, StoryMap offers features that can assist a user in visually displaying what they want the viewer to focus on. From this, I will now introduce a tutorial on how you can use StoryMap to help a viewer understand where a photograph was taken and how much the viewer can see with the photograph compared to the actual location. 

Tutorial

Getting started with StoryMap

After signing in, click on “Start a story” in the middle of the page. Shortly after clicking, you will get transported to a blank canvas to begin your StoryMap. You can create a title for your StoryMap and click on the addition symbol to add tools.

Adding a map to StoryMap

To include a map in your StoryMap, click on the addition symbol and scroll until you see the category “Data Visualization”. Under “Data Visualization,” click on “map” to get to the section that holds your previous maps made with ArcGIS and the ability to create an express map. In this tutorial, I will show you what you can do when you create an express map. So, press “Create express map” on the screen.

Establishing a location

Now your browser should show a world map. In the top right corner, you can search for a location you are interested in and click “Add to map” when you are done. In this tutorial, I searched up the Weitz Center for Creativity at Carleton College.

Location Features for the Pinpoint Location

The pinpoint location is automatic; however, if you press the pinpoint, you can drag the pinpoint to any point you like. In this case, drag the pinpoint to the location where the camera was positioned to take the photograph.

On the left side of your screen, you can add an image, the name of the location, a description, and change the color of the feature. When finished with your features, scroll to the bottom and press “Save.”

Location Features for the Proximity of the Photograph

Alongside the pinpoint, the browser at the top of the screen has other features that you can use in your map. In this tutorial, the polygon was used to measure how much the photograph captured the previous Northfield High School relative to the Weitz Center for Creativity’s new additions. Going back to the features on the left side, by default, the color is blue. However, after changing the color, the polygon is now red.

When finished with the map, press the save button on the bottom right.

A Description for the Map

Once the map is saved, you will return to the beginning of your story map. To continue with StoryMap, the user can add text next to the map for a description of what the map is doing.

The Story Map

Through this tutorial, you used StoryMap to create a map that pinpointed a specific location. You also provided images and location descriptions to give your viewer a better perspective on the location. Additionally, because of the polygon feature, the viewer has a better reference for what portions of the location can be visible in the photographed image. Lastly, you gave a short description of what the map entailed.

Additional Resources

For another perspective on how StoryMap can be used, you can check out ArcGIS StoryMap’s Official Site HERE! You can also check out this video if you do not want to read HERE!