{"id":2477052,"date":"2024-09-10T06:58:23","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:58:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/?post_type=blog&p=2477052"},"modified":"2025-07-02T06:41:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T13:41:59","slug":"get-creative-with-image-choreography-using-media-layers","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/constituent-engagement\/get-creative-with-image-choreography-using-media-layers","title":{"rendered":"Get creative with image choreography using media layers"},"author":129801,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":""},"categories":[37131,22941],"tags":[398132,764472,33371,769492,407372],"industry":[],"product":[36551,36611,380802],"class_list":["post-2477052","blog","type-blog","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-constituent-engagement","category-mapping","tag-arcgis-storymaps","tag-map-choreography","tag-map-viewer","tag-media-layer","tag-sidecar","product-arcgis-online","product-story-maps","product-arcgis-storymaps"],"acf":{"authors":[{"ID":129801,"user_firstname":"Warren","user_lastname":"Davison","nickname":"Warren Davison","user_nicename":"wdavison","display_name":"Warren Davison","user_email":"wdavison@esri.com","user_url":"https:\/\/warrenrdavison.wixsite.com\/maps","user_registered":"2020-11-18 21:21:08","user_description":"I specialize in creating engaging maps and graphics that tell immersive, place-based stories. Based in Kitchener, Canada, I work with Esri\u2019s StoryMaps team, where I enjoy sharing the creative process behind each project. When I'm not exploring vectors and pixels, you\u2019ll likely find me cycling around town with my kids along for the ride.","user_avatar":""}],"short_description":"Here\u2019s how you can get creative with image choreography using media layers and ArcGIS StoryMaps to craft immersive visual explorations.","flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

If you\u2019re an avid user of ArcGIS StoryMaps, then you\u2019re no stranger to the dance of maps and layers that is known as map choreography<\/a>. However, the same techniques used to guide readers through a map can also be applied to images to achieve image choreography. After all, what are maps but images of geographies? When applied effectively, these image sequences have the potential to capture your readers and immerse them in the visual world of your story.<\/p>\n

This post covers the seemingly endless creative opportunities for image choreography in visual storytelling. First, we\u2019ll start with some context about image choreography and how it can be implemented in ArcGIS StoryMaps. Then, we\u2019ll dive into some creative examples that use media layers in Map Viewer and share the steps used to author them. If media layers and their uses within ArcGIS StoryMaps are new to you, check out this post<\/a> for a primer on the treasure trove of possibilities that await.<\/p>\n

Image choreography<\/h1>\n

Much like its map-based relative, image choreography involves creating a series of interconnected images arranged in a sequence. As readers navigate through the story, the images are presented one after another, often accompanied by relevant written narration.<\/p>\n

In its most basic form, image choreography can be created by placing images in the media panel of a sidecar. For instance, in the Building for tomorrow<\/a> story, a series of identical photos with various highlights and annotations were used in a sidecar to introduce the reader to Toronto\u2019s skyline and call attention to the amount of construction and locations of interest.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2477482,"id":2477482,"title":"Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo","filename":"Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","filesize":9293440,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/constituent-engagement\/get-creative-with-image-choreography-using-media-layers\/sample_sidecar_image_choreo","alt":"A screen recording of a story about development along the waterfront in Toronto. An aerial view of downtown Toronto featuring the iconic CN Tower surrounded by modern skyscrapers is in the background. As the story scrolls, the image darkens and intense highlights are added to denote the location of active construction projects and the West Don Lands as an area of interest.","author":"129801","description":"","caption":"The media panel of a sidecar slide can be an effective tool for simple image choreography.","name":"sample_sidecar_image_choreo","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":2477052,"date":"2024-09-03 15:38:37","modified":"2024-09-05 14:35:51","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":864,"height":558,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","medium-width":404,"medium-height":261,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":496,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","large-width":864,"large-height":558,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","1536x1536-width":864,"1536x1536-height":558,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","2048x2048-width":864,"2048x2048-height":558,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo-720x465.gif","card_image-width":720,"card_image-height":465,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Sidecar_Image_Choreo.gif","wide_image-width":864,"wide_image-height":558}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/d05f2b755e9a43d3a051524c60ac462d"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

However, using media layers in Map Viewer to create image choreography offers several advantages. For instance, like other map layers in Map Viewer, media layers can be toggled on or off, use effects, and take advantage of blend modes. Additionally, as we change the focal point of our image throughout our choreographed sequence, the panning and zooming of the underlying map create a subtle motion which adds a dynamic visual effect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2477492,"id":2477492,"title":"Sample_Command_Module","filename":"Sample_Command_Module.gif","filesize":1986133,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-storymaps\/constituent-engagement\/get-creative-with-image-choreography-using-media-layers\/sample_command_module","alt":"A screen recording of a image choreography sequence exploring the Apollo 11 Command Module. The conical capsule of weathered metal appears on a black background. As the story scrolls, the hatch opens to reveal the cramped quarters inside and the complex levers and mechanisms of the hatch. As the story continues the image choreography zooms in for a close-up on the capsule and the exterior is removed using an imaginary window cut into the spacecraft. The window provides a cutaway view into the craft and reveals the seats, control panels, and joysticks.","author":"129801","description":"","caption":"Media layers in Map Viewer can be used to create image choreography with dynamic layer visibility, zooming, and panning.","name":"sample_command_module","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":2477052,"date":"2024-09-03 15:39:46","modified":"2024-09-05 14:56:46","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":864,"height":558,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module-213x200.gif","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","medium-width":404,"medium-height":261,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":496,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","large-width":864,"large-height":558,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","1536x1536-width":864,"1536x1536-height":558,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","2048x2048-width":864,"2048x2048-height":558,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module-720x465.gif","card_image-width":720,"card_image-height":465,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sample_Command_Module.gif","wide_image-width":864,"wide_image-height":558}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/collections\/676a3d39a5f04558986938d3f3577f57?item=3"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"

Aside from the novel dynamic effects, these features make image choreography well-suited for taking readers on an engaging visual journey through a series of images. In breaking the journey into a sequence, the images build upon each other while maintaining continuity, reducing the cognitive load and increasing the visual impact of each image. Panning, zooming, and toggling layers of your sequence also give the reader the superpowers of X-ray vision and magnification, allowing them to take in all the image details through guided exploration. So, when your narrative features an inanimate central character, be it a spacecraft, an animal habitat, or an architectural marvel, image choreography can help you peel back the layers and give your readers a peek inside.<\/p>\n

Creating magic with media layers<\/h1>\n

If you\u2019re intrigued, getting started with image choreography with map layers is as simple as uploading an image to a Map Viewer. Here\u2019s a basic step-by-step approach:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. In Map Viewer, click Add media layer<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Upload your desired image<\/li>\n
  3. Position or resize the image as required<\/li>\n
  4. Click Update and close<\/strong> to save your changes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Like map choreography, once you add the map to a sidecar in ArcGIS StoryMaps, you\u2019ll choreograph your media layers:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Use a sidecar block to create a map-focused slide<\/strong>\n