This post may be slightly redundant as I just created a tutorial for using ArcGIS Storymaps, but it is also the main way we visualized our data for our final project (The Reynolds Letters – Aiden, Kate, Hope, Harrah, May, Megan). The project involved scanning and transcribing the letters from Mary Reynolds, Carleton Class of 1904, which detailed her journey to China to tutor the nephews of the Empress Dowager. After transcription, we created an interactive map tour to visualize her journey. I’ve embedded that map below.
It is in a slightly different format than you’ll see on our website, just because this page isn’t wide enough to encompass the descriptions as sidebars.
Data:
This data comes from our own scouring of the transcriptions to outline the exact path she followed and what she said about each destination. I added each point individually to create the map, and the images we used were found from Wikimedia Commons, which has open public access and use.
Tools:
As I mentioned, I used ArcGIS Storymaps to create this feature. Once I figured out the basics of the software, it was pretty straightforward to use. I used the map tour feature to essentially create a slideshow of each stop she wrote about. We added in the information about the dates, the quote she said about each location, and images. Finally, we added the feature that connects all the points so the screen interactively moves as you click through each slide.
Purpose:
The main purpose of the map is to detail the trip she took to get to China, as well as outline the different areas of China she was able to visit while she was there. The images are supposed to show viewers what the area would have looked like at the time. The map also shows how extensive the journey was just to even make it to China. We don’t really consider that aspect now because we can just hop on a plane and fly anywhere, but it used to be much more difficult to travel.
Style:
In terms of changing the style, I edited the base map to a version that I thought was more clear and fitting for the purpose of the project. Additionally, we added features to connect the points, adjust the zoom level, and pan the screen so it feels like the viewer is embarking on the journey with Mary. Enjoy the journey!
