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 stories 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 ArcGIS StoryMaps.

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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 storytelling for COVID-19 communication

Esri's StoryMaps team

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

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Creative uses of storytelling for conservation

Esri's StoryMaps team

See some of the interesting ways that organizations have used ArcGIS StoryMaps for conservation.

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Create | StoryMaps

Stanford University

Get instruction for creating dynamic digital narratives from Stanford University librarians.

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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 Esri's Storymaps team.

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Interactive images in ArcGIS 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

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 stories

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 stories with an audience

Hannah Wilber

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

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Stay up to date

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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Make the switch

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

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Find ArcGIS StoryMaps learning resources

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Get help with ArcGIS StoryMaps

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Connect with us

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