Note: This article was originally published in 2021, and updated in 2026 to highlight new features and capabilities.

Designing maps that are both accurate and easy to interpret is no small feat. Fortunately, ArcGIS StoryMaps offers a compelling solution to this delicate balancing act: map choreography.

Map choreography is a storytelling technique in which a sequence of related map views is arranged into a deliberate, narrative-driven progression. As readers scroll or click through a story, the maps update in turn, building understanding step by step.

When used effectively, map choreography helps readers grasp your maps’ intended messages by breaking down complexity and directing attention to key patterns, features, or locations without overwhelming readers with too much information at once. The results can feel immersive, engaging, and even cinematic. To see some examples of map choreography in action, check out the collection below.

This post covers map choreography from top to bottom. We’ll start with a quick look at how it works in ArcGIS StoryMaps, then dive into some common and effective use cases, then walk through its implementation, and finally wrap up with some tips and best practices. You can use the links below to jump between sections:

1. Map choreography in ArcGIS StoryMaps
2. Map choreography in action
3. Implementing map choreography
4. Tips and best practices
5. Going beyond maps

If your eyes are glazing over and you’d rather watch a short video about map choreography, check out John Nelson’s explainer video below — despite what John would have you believe, it’s well worth your time. Let’s begin!

Map choreography in ArcGIS StoryMaps

Maps are integral to ArcGIS StoryMaps, but they can serve distinct roles depending on how they’re presented. Most stories created with ArcGIS StoryMaps emphasize expository mapping — guiding readers toward specific insights — rather than open-ended exploration. Map choreography is one of the most effective ways to do this well.

The sidecar block is particularly well-suited for map choreography. This immersive block pairs a fixed-position media panel with a scrolling narrative panel, forming a sequence of slides. As readers navigate between slides, both panels update according to the author’s intent. This structure invites authors to craft logical — and even cinematic — progressions of related map views, each accompanied by narrative context. This is map choreography in practice.

Map choreography typically involves adjusting three key elements of a given map (or maps):

• Focal area (zoom level, center point, and sometimes rotation)
• Layer visibility (which thematic layers are shown at any given time)
• Behavior (interactivity, widget visibility, and other interface elements).

By varying these elements from one slide to the next, you can guide readers through a sequence of ideas with clarity and intent.

Map choreography in action: common use cases

1. Compare thematic layers within a given geography: One common use case for map choreography is highlighting multiple thematic layers within a single geographic area. As readers navigate through the sequence, they can compare related rates, trends, or patterns while the geographic frame remains consistent. By displaying different temporal layers, you can also use map choreography to recount events or show change over time. (For even more ways to visualize time in ArcGIS StoryMaps, check out this post.)

2. Compare data across geographies: Conversely, map choreography can show how a single dataset varies across locations by shifting the map’s focal point while keeping layers consistent. As readers navigate through the map choreography sequence, the map will automatically pan and zoom to the author’s chosen locations. This method works best with web maps and web scenes, where transitions are smoothly animated. (Static maps will appear to “jump” from one location to another, which can be disorienting.)

3. Deconstruct and reconstruct complex maps: Map choreography is particularly useful for clarifying dense or complex maps through a “progressive reveal.” Instead of presenting all layers at once, you introduce them incrementally — building toward a complete view while explaining each component along the way. Often, this approach includes changes to the map’s visible layers and its focal area (combining items 1 and 2 above).

4. Introduce an exploratory map: Expository maps and exploratory maps can complement each other. Map choreography can be used to guide readers through a dataset before inviting them to explore it more freely.

These are just a few use cases for map choreography, but the possibilities are nearly endless. To see even more examples of map choreography in action, check out this collection.

Implementing map choreography in ArcGIS StoryMaps

Once you have a use case in mind, creating a map choreography sequence in ArcGIS StoryMaps is straightforward. Here’s the basic workflow:

1. Use sidecar block to create a map-focused slide: Add a sidecar block to your story. Add a map to the slide’s media panel. Configure the map’s appearance as desired. Add context — which may include text, images, or other media — to the accompanying narrative panel.
2. Create a second slide: Use the Duplicate slide action to create a copy of the slide you just created. Adjust the map’s appearance for the second slide and modify the content in the narrative panel. (Note: Instead of duplicating your initial slide you can just add a new one, but it’s usually faster to adjust an existing map than to reconfigure a map from scratch.)
3. Repeat the process: Continue duplicating slides and adjusting their maps and narrative content until your sequence is complete.
4. Amaze your readers: Watch as your choreographed map sequence captivates your audience!

Tips and best practices

As with any storytelling technique, map choreography benefits from a few key considerations. Here are some essential tips, tricks, and best practices for mastering map choreography:

• Be mindful of scroll fatigue: Each slide adds length to your story. Try to strike a balance between clarity and brevity, and consider using map actions to present secondary map views that aren’t essential to the story. You can learn more about map actions in this post.
• Maintain continuity between slides: Establish a sense of flow by retaining at least one visual reference — such as a layer or geographic area — between adjacent slides. This continuity helps readers stay oriented and reduces cognitive load. It also allows for more concise and understandable alternative text descriptions, which is important for accessibility.
• Minimize distractions: To keep readers focused on your intended messages, consider disabling map navigation and layer pop-ups. In some cases, static maps may be preferable for maintaining focus.

Going beyond maps

Map choreography is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the ArcGIS StoryMaps toolbox. The principles outlined here provide a foundation, but the technique itself is highly flexible. For example, you can create choreographed sequences using images and 3D objects to unlock new storytelling possibilities.

Don’t be afraid to experiment — your approach is limited only by your creativity!