{"id":1351982,"date":"2021-09-22T16:10:25","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T23:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/?post_type=blog&p=1351982"},"modified":"2026-03-10T12:35:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T19:35:32","slug":"basemaps-and-storymaps","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps","title":{"rendered":"Maximize your basemaps in ArcGIS StoryMaps"},"author":7231,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":""},"categories":[22941],"tags":[23171,26451,40161,33541],"industry":[],"product":[36611,380802],"class_list":["post-1351982","blog","type-blog","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mapping","tag-basemaps","tag-cartography","tag-living-atlas-of-the-world","tag-vector-basemaps","product-story-maps","product-arcgis-storymaps"],"acf":{"short_description":"This article provides tips for using basemaps effectively in ArcGIS StoryMaps.","flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

In praise of the basemap<\/span><\/h1>\n

Basemaps are the unsung heroes of web cartography. Despite their ubiquity\u2014or perhaps, because of it\u2014these industrious workhorses are easily overlooked, by author and audience alike.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But that\u2019s kind of the point. Basemaps are designed to recede into the background and allow the map\u2019s thematic layers to claim center stage. The basemap is like the rhythm guitarist in a band, laying down a foundation of power chords while the lead guitarist\u2014in our case, the map\u2019s points, lines, and polygons of interest\u2014plays the melody in the spotlight.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But, like rhythm guitarists, basemaps have an outsized impact on the overall success of a web map. They serve many purposes: They provide important geographic context and orient readers in space; they draw attention to thematically relevant features; and they establish the overall look and feel of a map. In sum, basemaps matter.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1352022,"id":1352022,"title":"BasemapAnim_Small","filename":"BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","filesize":5241177,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/basemapanimez_small","alt":"An animation that rapidly fades between basemap styles","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"A preview of some of the basemaps available in the Living Atlas","name":"basemapanimez_small","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-20 04:04:22","modified":"2021-09-21 01:16:30","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/gif","type":"image","subtype":"gif","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":800,"height":400,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","medium-width":464,"medium-height":232,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":384,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","large-width":800,"large-height":400,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","1536x1536-width":800,"1536x1536-height":400,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","2048x2048-width":800,"2048x2048-height":400,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","card_image-width":800,"card_image-height":400,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapAnimEZ_Small.gif","wide_image-width":800,"wide_image-height":400}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Basemaps take on added significance in ArcGIS StoryMaps, because they appear alongside, and need to harmonize with, all of the other elements in a story. These elements include the story\u2019s visual language\u2014its fonts, colors, decorative flourishes, and other themed components\u2014as well as the story\u2019s contents itself, like photos and videos. So, how do you know which basemap is right for the maps in your story?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Choosing the best basemap(s) for your story<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

There\u2019s no such thing as a \u201ccorrect\u201d basemap, nor is there an exact science for choosing the <\/span>best <\/span><\/i>basemap for an individual map\u2014much less for a bunch of maps in a story. That said, the following questions might point you in the right direction as you evaluate your options:<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the overall topic, and theme, of the story?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In most cases, you probably want to choose a basemap that highlights the features and labels most relevant to your subject matter. Does your story focus on natural phenomena, like weather patterns or land cover? Consider a basemap like <\/span>Topographic<\/span><\/i>, which emphasizes geophysical features like rivers and mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1355872,"id":1355872,"title":"Basemap_EJ","filename":"Basemap_EJ.jpg","filesize":53380,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/basemap_ej","alt":"A map of Native American tribal lands","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"This map of Native American tribal lands forgoes labels (since the territories themselves are labeled) while emphasizing natural terrain","name":"basemap_ej","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-22 01:26:09","modified":"2021-09-22 21:07:13","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1061,"height":672,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","medium-width":412,"medium-height":261,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":486,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","large-width":1061,"large-height":672,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","1536x1536-width":1061,"1536x1536-height":672,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","2048x2048-width":1061,"2048x2048-height":672,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ-734x465.jpg","card_image-width":734,"card_image-height":465,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_EJ.jpg","wide_image-width":1061,"wide_image-height":672}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/f168d465a0bc49eca99811c36cee6b59"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Or is this a story about human activity, with maps about spending patterns or land use? If so, the <\/span>Human Geography<\/span><\/i> basemap might be a better fit, since it highlights borders, cities, and other human creations.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1353112,"id":1353112,"title":"Basemap_bridges","filename":"Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-scaled.jpg","filesize":318911,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-scaled.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/screen-shot-2021-09-20-at-5-41-53-pm","alt":"A screenshot of a choropleth map rendered with the Human Geography (Dark) basemap","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"This thematic map, excerpted from a story about bridges, uses the Human Geography (Dark) basemap because that style accentuates administrative areas ","name":"screen-shot-2021-09-20-at-5-41-53-pm","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-21 00:42:13","modified":"2021-09-21 00:43:23","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1404,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-scaled.jpg","medium-width":464,"medium-height":254,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-scaled.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":421,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-scaled.jpg","large-width":1920,"large-height":1053,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-1536x843.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":843,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-2048x1124.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1124,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-826x453.jpg","card_image-width":826,"card_image-height":453,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.41.53-PM-1920x1053.jpg","wide_image-width":1920,"wide_image-height":1053}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/92b2ae1a9f11492189d6e9b5fa8ad07e"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

What is the story\u2019s audience?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your story targets subject matter experts, you may feel comfortable using a basemap that\u2019s awash in detail\u2014or conversely, one with minimal contextual information, like <\/span>Imagery<\/span><\/i>. If you\u2019re creating a story for young schoolchildren, on the other hand, you might opt for a more playful or whimsical basemap style, such as <\/span>A Children\u2019s Map<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1353132,"id":1353132,"title":"Basemap_Nakuru","filename":"Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-scaled.jpg","filesize":205911,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-scaled.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/screen-shot-2021-09-20-at-5-52-11-pm","alt":"A global locator map with an arrow drawn from DC to Kenya","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"This story, which targets elementary school students, features a custom basemap style with clear labels and inviting colors","name":"screen-shot-2021-09-20-at-5-52-11-pm","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-21 00:52:30","modified":"2021-09-21 01:01:03","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1404,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-scaled.jpg","medium-width":464,"medium-height":254,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-scaled.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":421,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-scaled.jpg","large-width":1920,"large-height":1053,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-1536x843.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":843,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-2048x1124.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1124,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-826x453.jpg","card_image-width":826,"card_image-height":453,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-20-at-5.52.11-PM-1920x1053.jpg","wide_image-width":1920,"wide_image-height":1053}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/c47ed912c6f44cb0adc35cb17115f1e9"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

How will readers interact with the map?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you expect readers to pan and zoom around the map, you\u2019ll want to choose a basemap that complements the map\u2019s thematic data across a range of scales and geographies. Basemaps are often comprised of multiple layers\u2014e.g., a base layer and a labels layer\u2014and in the Map Viewer, you can choose to display some basemap layers at specific scales only. As readers zoom in and out, the map\u2019s appearance automatically changes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Try combining zoom-dependent visibility with <\/span>map choreography<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>map actions<\/span><\/a> to create dramatic scroll- or click-driven map animations, like the one below. For more tips and best practices on modifying basemaps right in the Map Viewer, check out <\/span>this blog post<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1352152,"id":1352152,"title":"BasemapZoom","filename":"BasemapZoom.gif","filesize":1018081,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/basemapzoom","alt":"An animation of a map zooming in","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"This basemap transitions from a custom vector tile style to satellite imagery as the reader scrolls through the story and the map automatically zooms in","name":"basemapzoom","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-20 07:11:32","modified":"2021-09-22 01:42:19","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/gif","type":"image","subtype":"gif","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":600,"height":300,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","medium-width":464,"medium-height":232,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","medium_large-width":600,"medium_large-height":300,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","large-width":600,"large-height":300,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","1536x1536-width":600,"1536x1536-height":300,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","2048x2048-width":600,"2048x2048-height":300,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","card_image-width":600,"card_image-height":300,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapZoom.gif","wide_image-width":600,"wide_image-height":300}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/1df8f5f67a2a441bae987e83622bfc30"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

If you\u2019re presenting a static map (because you\u2019ve exported it as an image, or because you\u2019ve disabled map navigation in the ArcGIS StoryMaps builder) your task is much simpler, since your map only appears at once scale and extent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does the story have a custom theme?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your story features a <\/span>custom theme<\/span><\/a>, then you should try to choose a basemap with fonts, colors and graphical flourishes that speak the same visual language as the theme. If no such basemap exists, do not despair: You can customize a basemap to match your theme using the <\/span>Vector Tile Style Editor<\/span><\/a>. The basemap styles below were designed specifically for the stories in which they appear.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2959781,"id":2959781,"title":"Basemaps","filename":"Basemaps.png","filesize":1251192,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps.png","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/basemaps-9","alt":"","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"","name":"basemaps-9","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2026-03-10 19:35:16","modified":"2026-03-10 19:35:16","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1920,"height":782,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps-213x200.png","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps.png","medium-width":464,"medium-height":189,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":313,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps.png","large-width":1920,"large-height":782,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps-1536x626.png","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":626,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps.png","2048x2048-width":1920,"2048x2048-height":782,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps-826x336.png","card_image-width":826,"card_image-height":336,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemaps.png","wide_image-width":1920,"wide_image-height":782}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Just want to change some colors? Try plugging your theme\u2019s color palette into the <\/span>Mapstyler<\/span><\/a> app. This handy tool extracts the colors from an uploaded image and uses them to create a custom vector basemap style. Hit the <\/span>Shuffle <\/span><\/b>button until you find a color combo you like, and then <\/span>Save <\/span><\/b>the style to your ArcGIS Online account.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can then add it to a web map\u2019s basemap group, or make further adjustments in the Vector Tile Style Editor.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1353272,"id":1353272,"title":"Basemap_mapstyler","filename":"Basemap_mapstyler.gif","filesize":2125074,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/basemap_mapstyler","alt":"","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"Creating a custom vector basemap style in Mapstyler","name":"basemap_mapstyler","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-21 02:29:40","modified":"2021-09-22 01:23:45","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/gif","type":"image","subtype":"gif","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":800,"height":483,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","medium-width":432,"medium-height":261,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":464,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","large-width":800,"large-height":483,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","1536x1536-width":800,"1536x1536-height":483,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","2048x2048-width":800,"2048x2048-height":483,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler-770x465.gif","card_image-width":770,"card_image-height":465,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_mapstyler.gif","wide_image-width":800,"wide_image-height":483}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

What surrounds the map?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The placement of this map in your story might also influence your choice of basemap. If the map is a small locator, positioned next to a heading that describes its location, then you probably don\u2019t need a basemap that\u2019s packed with labels. Similarly, if you\u2019re creating a photo essay and you want your images to shine, you might want to choose a visually subdued basemap style.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One the other hand, if this map is the centerpiece of your story, like a full-bleed web map or a map tour, then you might want to choose a more visually striking basemap to capture the reader\u2019s attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is this map a one-off, or one of many?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your story contains lots of similar maps\u2014again, locator maps are a good example here\u2014then it\u2019s a good idea to use the same basemap for all of them. As the reader begins to recognize the pattern, they\u2019ll interpret the maps with ever-quickening ease.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, if these maps appear in regular intervals throughout the story, then they also become visual placemarks, lending a sense of rhythm and consistency to the narrative. Variety might be the space of life, but there\u2019s no reason to switch up the basemaps in a story just for the sake of novelty.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1353142,"id":1353142,"title":"Basemap_Locators","filename":"Basemap_Locators.gif","filesize":1126306,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/basemap_locators","alt":"An animation of several similar-looking locator maps in a story","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"The locator maps throughout this story use the same custom vector basemap for visual consistency","name":"basemap_locators","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-21 01:02:02","modified":"2021-09-21 01:02:35","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/gif","type":"image","subtype":"gif","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":800,"height":400,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","medium-width":464,"medium-height":232,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":384,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","large-width":800,"large-height":400,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","1536x1536-width":800,"1536x1536-height":400,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","2048x2048-width":800,"2048x2048-height":400,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","card_image-width":800,"card_image-height":400,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Basemap_Locators.gif","wide_image-width":800,"wide_image-height":400}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/0f58d49c566b486482b3e64e9e5f7ac9"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Working with basemaps in ArcGIS StoryMaps<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

ArcGIS StoryMaps features several different mapping experiences with configurable basemaps: web maps and scenes, express maps, and map tour blocks. Below, you\u2019ll learn how to adjust the basemaps in each type of map.<\/span><\/p>\n

Web map basemaps<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Web maps are the bread and butter of ArcGIS Online, and you can add almost any public web map to a story. If you want to adjust a web map\u2019s basemap, you can do so in the <\/span>Map Viewer<\/span><\/a>. To get there, open the web map in the ArcGIS StoryMaps builder and click <\/span>Edit in ArcGIS <\/span><\/b>beneath the layer list on the left. That\u2019ll open the current map in the Map Viewer. Here\u2019s a quick <\/span>how-to<\/span><\/a> on changing the basemap. Web scenes behave much the same as their 2D cousins, except they\u2019re authored in the <\/span>Scene Viewer<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Express map basemaps<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Express maps<\/span><\/a> are lightweight reference or point-of-interest maps that are authored directly in the ArcGIS StoryMaps builder. Each of the six original themes in ArcGIS StoryMaps has a unique default basemap, handpicked to match the theme\u2019s appearance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re dissatisfied with the default basemap, or are using a custom theme, you can easily change the basemap: Open the <\/span>Options <\/span><\/b>panel in the map designer, and click the basemap card below the <\/span>Select basemap<\/span><\/b> heading. This will open a gallery of alternative options, also handpicked to work well in express maps.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1353152,"id":1353152,"title":"ChangeXMBasemap","filename":"ChangeXMBasemap.gif","filesize":3507533,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/changexmbasemap","alt":"An animation of an author changing an express map basemap","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"Changing an express map basemap","name":"changexmbasemap","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-21 01:09:01","modified":"2021-09-22 01:37:51","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/gif","type":"image","subtype":"gif","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":800,"height":439,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","medium-width":464,"medium-height":255,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":421,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","large-width":800,"large-height":439,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","1536x1536-width":800,"1536x1536-height":439,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","2048x2048-width":800,"2048x2048-height":439,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","card_image-width":800,"card_image-height":439,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeXMBasemap.gif","wide_image-width":800,"wide_image-height":439}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

These aren\u2019t your only options, though. If none of the included styles fit the bill, you can use almost any <\/i>web map as your basemap instead. With the basemap selection overlay still open, click Browse more maps <\/b>at the bottom. This will open the item browser, where you can select a web map to use in lieu of the default options.<\/span><\/p>\n

This workflow is especially useful if you\u2019ve designed a custom basemap style to match this story\u2019s theme. Note that only the web map\u2019s basemap group will appear; any additional layers will be hidden on the express map.<\/span><\/p>\n

Map tour basemaps<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The map tour block combines a map with multimedia content to present a list of related places. Basemaps behave much the same in map tours as they do in express maps: You can choose from one of 15 included styles, or use a separate web map instead. There is one difference, though: Any visible layers in the web map will appear in map tour, although their popups will be disabled. (In express maps, these layers are always hidden.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To change a map tour\u2019s basemap, select <\/span>Map options<\/span><\/b> in the top-right corner of the map, and then click the basemap card under <\/span>Select basemap<\/span><\/b>. This will open the map selection overlay, where you can browse the included styles or add a web map.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":1355892,"id":1355892,"title":"ChangeMTBasemap","filename":"ChangeMTBasemap.gif","filesize":8636788,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\/changemtbasemap","alt":"An animation that shows the process of changing a map tour basemap","author":"7231","description":"","caption":"Changing a map tour basemap","name":"changemtbasemap","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":1351982,"date":"2021-09-22 01:35:44","modified":"2021-09-22 01:37:42","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/gif","type":"image","subtype":"gif","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":800,"height":439,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","medium-width":464,"medium-height":255,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":421,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","large-width":800,"large-height":439,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","1536x1536-width":800,"1536x1536-height":439,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","2048x2048-width":800,"2048x2048-height":439,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","card_image-width":800,"card_image-height":439,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ChangeMTBasemap.gif","wide_image-width":800,"wide_image-height":439}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

And that\u2019s it! Congratulations, you\u2019ve made it to the end of this article. Here’s a quick recap, in case your eyes glazed over halfway through:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Don\u2019t sleep on basemaps: They can have a big impact on your maps\u2019 success. Every Batman needs a Robin.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • While there\u2019s no step-by-step guide to choosing a basemap, there are a few questions you can (and should) consider as you evaluate your options. <\/span><\/li>\n
  • Finally, don\u2019t be afraid to go beyond the defaults. There are lots of ways you can modify existing basemaps to suit your needs. <\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Now, go forth and spread the gospel of basemaps. And be sure to share your stories with us @ArcGISStoryMaps! We can’t wait to see what you create.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n"}],"authors":[{"ID":7231,"user_firstname":"Cooper","user_lastname":"Thomas","nickname":"Cooper Thomas","user_nicename":"cooper_thomas","display_name":"Cooper Thomas","user_email":"Cooper_Thomas@esri.com","user_url":"https:\/\/cooper-thomas.com\/","user_registered":"2018-03-02 00:19:29","user_description":"Cooper is a cartographer on Esri\u2019s StoryMaps team. His maps have found their way onto the @Esrigram Instagram feed, the front page of Reddit, and his parents\u2019 fridge. In his spare time, Cooper enjoys playing Mozart to his houseplants so that they someday grow tall and strong.","user_avatar":""}],"related_articles":"","card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapS-2.jpg","wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BasemapL-2.jpg","show_article_image":false},"yoast_head":"\nMaximize your basemaps in ArcGIS StoryMaps<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article provides tips for using basemaps effectively in ArcGIS StoryMaps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/mapping\/basemaps-and-storymaps\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maximize your basemaps in ArcGIS StoryMaps\" 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