ArcGIS StoryMaps

Before diving into the creative elements, let's make sure you're set up for success. Access StoryMaps through your ArcGIS Online account at ucincinnati.maps.arcgis.com. Then:

• Click "Create Story" to open up a menu.
• Choose "Start from scratch" to continue.

Within the new empty page, on your navigation bar (top of the screen) there are some interesting elements:

• Auto-Save Status: Watch for "Saving..." or "Saved" indicators
• Design: Your gateway to customization options
• Preview: Test how your story looks to readers
• Publish: Share your completed story

Let's continue by pressing the "Design" button, this will pull up an extra menu on your right. Here, you can customize how your StoryMaps would look like. First off, you can change how the cover would be presented:

• 6 layouts available
• Customizable image/video placement
• Flexible text positioning
• Mobile-responsive designs

Next,  there are also toggles where you can change certain smaller aspects of the StoryMaps:

• Navigation Toggle: Add an interactive table of contents
• Credits Switch: Include attribution and acknowledgments

Finally, as per the design, there are 6 design themes to choose from, each with its personalities.

It's now time to start filling in your StoryMaps. You can start with the "Title" and or add an eye-catching "Cover image".

Then, fill in the rest of our story by pressing the "+" button. There, you will be introduced to a scroll menu with all of the tools, which might seem intimidating, but let's explore each category one by one.

Text, Code, and Button elements form your story's foundation. These essential tools let you craft your narrative through formatted text blocks to create an engaging flow for your StoryMaps.

This comprehensive set of media tools includes maps, images, galleries, video, audio, embeds, swipe comparisons, and timelines. These elements bring your story to life through interactive features, allowing readers to explore maps, view visual comparisons, and understand changes over time.

These specialized layout options offer unique ways to present your story. The Sidecar creates an immersive experience with side-by-side media and text panels, while the Map Tour feature guides readers through a sequence of locations, perfect for following a timeline on a map.

Here are also some tips for creating a StoryMaps:

• Organize Content: Plan your narrative structure before deep diving into design
• Theme Testing: Preview your content with different themes before finalizing
• Preview Often: Check how your story flows on different devices

If you feel like you're happy with your StoryMaps, it's now time to upload.

To publish, press the "Publish" button on the top right of your screen. You are then brought to an options page, this is where you would choose your audience level:

• Private: Only you can view
• Organization: Available to UC members only
• Public: Open to everyone
• Group: Share with specific teams or classes