Storytelling Tips

Nine steps to great storytelling

By Allen Carroll

It's easy to put together a story, but it's not nearly as easy to craft top-notch narratives. By keeping these principles in mind, you'll get a good start on the path to greatness.

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Getting started with ArcGIS StoryMaps

Allen Carroll

Follow a step-by-step guide to using the new ArcGIS StoryMaps builder.

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What is an express map and why should you use one?

Mark Harrower

Most story maps happen somewhere. Here's how to add simple locator and distribution maps to your narratives.

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Maps, minds, and stories collection

Allen Carroll

Read five stories about the meaning of maps, place-based storytelling, and how our spatial minds work.

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The myriad uses of StoryMaps

Multiple authors

View some of the interesting and unusual ways storytellers have used story maps.

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Four ways to tell a story with place

Greyson Harris

Learn four different layouts to create engaging stories with lists of places.

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Innovative story maps for COVID-19 communication

Esri's StoryMaps team

Explore the innovative ways that storytellers, from teachers to government agencies, are using story maps for COVID-19 communication.

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Creative uses of StoryMaps for conservation

Esri's StoryMaps team

See some of the interesting ways that organizations have used story maps for conservation.

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StoryMaps graphics packages

Ross Donihue

Enhance your storytelling with a consistent look and feel. Download our custom graphics packages for each ArcGIS StoryMaps theme.

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Getting the most from animated maps

Mark Harrower

Maps that move can be a powerful star of the story, but knowing when to deploy them is key.

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To 3D or not to 3D?

Mark Harrower

Both 2D and 3D maps are great, but knowing when to use them—and why—is key. Get tips from the story maps team.

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Interactive images in StoryMaps

Multiple authors

Up your storytelling game by using interactive images as maps. Get step-by-step instructions.

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How to make an awful story map

Allen Carroll

Get seven indispensible tips for lousy storytelling.

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Adding Alternative Text in ArcGIS StoryMaps

ArcGIS StoryMaps meets common accessibility standards and helps you build for individuals using assistive technology. Learn how in this video.

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Choreograph your maps with ArcGIS StoryMaps

Cooper Thomas

Get techniques for guiding readers through a story with maps.

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Including charts in story maps

Cooper Thomas

Elevate your data-driven storytelling with these tips and best practices.

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Supercharge your stories with map actions

Cooper Thomas

Enrich your story and engage interested readers with map actions, configurable toggle buttons that change web maps or scenes in sidecar slides.

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Sharing your story map with an audience

Hannah Wilber

Read a series of short story maps that explain five easy ways to get more eyes on your content (without having to spend a dime).

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Get the latest product enhancements, resources, and great stories with weekly news built in ArcGIS StoryMaps.

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Get storytelling tips, new ArcGIS StoryMaps announcements, and helpful resources directly from our team.

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Wondering about the nuts and bolts of moving over to our next-generation product? We've got you covered.

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Nine steps to great storytelling

Adding Alternative Text in ArcGIS StoryMaps

Recommended for you

Stay up to date

Visit the blog

Make the switch

Find ArcGIS StoryMaps learning resources