"}],"show_article_image":false,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/08\/release-aug-2026-thumbnail.png","wide_image":false,"short_description":"ArcGIS StoryMaps introduces quizzes, image to chart conversion, map actions in briefings and frames, data visualization enhancements, and more.","flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"- \n
- Quiz block in stories and frames<\/a><\/li>\n
- Image to chart\/table conversion<\/a><\/li>\n
- Open a pop-up using map actions<\/a><\/li>\n
- Map actions in briefings and frames<\/a><\/li>\n
- Pictograph enhancements<\/a><\/li>\n
- Collection enhancements<\/a><\/li>\n
- Theme builder enhancements<\/a><\/li>\n
- And more…<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Quiz block in stories and frames<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s here, folks. Whether you\u2019re crafting a dynamic story or classroom experience, a museum exhibit or public engagement campaign, quizzes can help transform readers from passive observers to active participants. By encouraging reflection and reinforcing key concepts, they offer a simple way to make your content more engaging and memorable.<\/p>\n
To begin using quizzes in your stories and frames, select Quiz<\/strong> from the Basic<\/strong> block options:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Click to type text in the Add a question<\/strong> and Choice<\/strong> spaces (you can add up to four potential answer choices for each question).<\/li>\n
- Hover over a choice to reveal a checkmark icon; click the checkmark to Set as correct choice<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Select Edit Quiz<\/strong> to find Question options<\/strong>, Add question<\/strong>, Result screen options<\/strong>, and Delete quiz<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- In Question options<\/strong>, add a Correct choice explanation<\/strong> and\/or a Hint<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- In Result screen options<\/strong>, modify the default Completion message<\/strong>, provide Additional information<\/strong>, and toggle on\/off the option to Allow readers to retake this quiz<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you choose to Add question<\/strong>, resulting in more than one question per block, slide navigation will appear next to Edit Quiz<\/strong>, along with additional options to Remove this question<\/strong> and Reorder questions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Currently, quiz responses aren\u2019t collected, though we\u2019re actively exploring capabilities like that for the future. If you have feedback about the quiz block or ideas for how it could evolve, we\u2019d love to hear from you in Esri Community<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_dy1479z1","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Learn about the efficacy of giving your readers moments of pause and reflection in our March 2026 | Finding your rhythm<\/a> issue of StoryScape\u2120.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/agsmblogbutton.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Image to chart\/table conversion<\/h2>\n
Speaking of giving your readers a break from long sections of text, we continue to level up your data visualization capabilities in stories. We know that recreating existing charts and tables can be time-consuming, but adding a screenshot to your story can be a buzzkill \u2014 they\u2019re neither dynamic nor accessible. Enter image to chart or table conversion.<\/p>\n
Now, after adding an Image<\/strong> of a chart or table to your story, the option to Convert<\/strong> image will appear in the editing toolbar for that image; select Convert to chart<\/strong> or Convert to table<\/strong> to initiate. After the conversion is complete, it is imperative that you select Edit<\/strong> to review the Data<\/strong> and Settings<\/strong> for accuracy.<\/p>\n
In June 2026, we introduced the document to story conversion<\/a> capability. Image to chart\/table conversion can further streamline the process of transforming PDF and DOC-based content into stories.<\/em><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_yzw29i08","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Learn how to use charts, infographics, and tables effectively<\/a> in ArcGIS StoryMaps.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Open a pop-up using map actions<\/h2>\n
Maps are most effective when they reinforce your narrative \u2014 and map actions<\/a> make that connection more direct by enabling interactive buttons or text links that let readers change a map\u2019s view, turn specific data layers on or off \u2014 or now, open pop-ups directly from the narrative text.<\/p>\n
To open a pop-up using map actions, select the text that you want to apply Action<\/strong> to and Configure map action<\/strong> in the map editor by opening\u00a0the desired feature\u2019s pop-up and Save<\/strong> the action with that pop-up showing.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_7kl9a6ls","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Map actions in briefings and frames<\/h2>\n
And that\u2019s not the only big change when it comes to map actions. You\u2019ve long been able to guide readers\u2019 attention to compelling places and patterns in stories, but now it\u2019s time to bring that same interactivity to your briefings and frames.<\/p>\n
To get started, add a slide containing both a Map<\/strong> and Text<\/strong>. Then select the text that you want to apply Action<\/strong> to and Configure map action<\/strong> in the map editor.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_0nop9zx3","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Get inspired by this collection of stories that use map choreography and map actions<\/a> to craft immersive geospatial narratives.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Pictograph enhancements<\/h2>\n
In June 2026, we introduced the Pictograph, a visualization option in the Infographic block that\u2019s effective for making data more tangible through recognizable symbols. New this month, you can now:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Choose between Single value<\/strong> or Part to whole<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Arrange Icons per row using Automatic<\/strong> or Custom<\/strong> settings.<\/li>\n
- Place up to three pictographs side-by-side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_ziqjxb4e","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Get inspired by this collection of stories that use data visualization<\/a> to communicate their message.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Collection enhancements<\/h2>\n
Also in June 2026, we introduced the capability to add web maps, scenes, and express maps to your collections<\/a>. This month, we\u2019ve expanded those capabilities, enabling you to configure maps and edit images directly within a collection.<\/p>\n
For maps, clicking Edit<\/strong> opens the familiar Adjust map appearance<\/strong> panel, where you can modify Layers<\/strong>, Bookmarks<\/strong>, and Options<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
For images, Edit<\/strong> launches the image editor, where you can Crop<\/strong>, Markup<\/strong>, Rotate<\/strong> and more. The Options<\/strong> menu provides additional media settings including Fit<\/strong> or Fill<\/strong>, Color<\/strong> or Blur<\/strong> background, Attribution<\/strong>, Alternative text<\/strong>, and more<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_003o3015","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Start your first ArcGIS StoryMaps collection<\/a> with this blog sharing best practices for curating a navigable ecosystem of content.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Theme builder enhancements<\/h2>\n
Theme samples<\/h3>\n
Themes are used across all ArcGIS StoryMaps content types \u2014 stories, collections, briefings, and frames \u2014 so, it only makes sense that you\u2019re able to preview your theme across each experience. Now, in the theme builder, you can Choose preview content<\/strong> to check out how your theme selections appear for all content types.<\/p>\n
Slide background customization<\/h3>\n
In May 2026, we added the capability to customize your slide backgrounds<\/a> in the briefing builder. Now, those same customization options are also available in the theme builder via a new Briefing slide background<\/strong> section. Enable Use custom background<\/strong> and choose a Color<\/strong>, Gradient<\/strong>, or Image<\/strong> style to apply a consistent look across your briefing.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_5v3pj88o","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"And more…<\/h2>\n
- \n
- The ArcGIS StoryMaps assistant<\/a> now supports your preferred language<\/a> when generating alternative text and story insights summary information<\/li>\n
- Briefing slide numbers now display in print preview.<\/li>\n
- The capability to suggest alternative text<\/a> has been expanded to express maps.<\/li>\n
- Featured themes<\/a> now include a High Contrast Dark option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Check out the release notes<\/a> for more details about other small changes and fixes released this month.<\/p>\n
Build a story with us. Register for 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Live<\/a>, a chat series that walks through practical techniques for crafting geospatial stories that resonate.<\/p>\n
How are you bold in the pursuit of better? Learn more about the 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition<\/a> opening on September 8, 2026.<\/p>\n
- Arrange Icons per row using Automatic<\/strong> or Custom<\/strong> settings.<\/li>\n
- Hover over a choice to reveal a checkmark icon; click the checkmark to Set as correct choice<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Image to chart\/table conversion<\/a><\/li>\n