Introduction
StoryMaps is a platform that allows you to tell stories through text, maps, and multimedia. It is a web map that has been thoughtfully created, given context, and provided with supporting information so it becomes a stand-alone resource. It integrates maps, legends, text, photos, and video and provides functionality, such as swipe, pop-ups, and time sliders, that helps users explore this content.
Getting Started with StoryMaps
Here's what you need to do to set up your account in StoryMaps:
- Go to storymaps.arcgis.com
- Click on Sign in
- You'll come to a login page. In the box under "Your ArcGIS organization's URL," type usandiego and click Continue
- Now click on the blue box University of San Diego
- On the Microsoft Sign in prompt: Type in your USD email address
- Now you'll come to the USD sign in page: type in your USD email address and password
- Click "yes" for "stay signed in
- Now you have arrived at the Stories page
- To get started building your StoryMap, click on the green "New Story" button on the right
- Now you're ready to go!
If you encounter any technical difficulties logging in, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at help@sandiego.edu
Library Instruction Survey
Examples
One of the best ways to understand how StoryMaps works is to look at examples of how others have used it. Take some time to explore these examples, which have been identified as "outstanding" examples from the StoryMaps community:
- The Voices of Grand CanyonRarely do tourists hear firsthand from people whose cultures, worldviews, and livelihoods are inextricably tied to the Grand Canyon region. Jim Enote (Zuni), Nikki Cooley (Navajo), Leigh Kuwanwisiwma (Hopi), Coleen Kaska, (Havasupai), and Loretta Jackson-Kelly (Hualapai) share what the Grand Canyon means to them and what they know in their hearts to be true.
- Segregation is Killing Us . . .Contrary to popular belief, COVID-19 is no great equalizer. In our analysis, we found segregation itself is a public health crisis NYC.
- In search of refugeThe current worldwide refugee crisis is often referred to as the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of forcibly displaced persons passed the threshold of 60 million people in 2015, and the numbers have continued to rise ever since.
- African American Heritage Walking TourThis project, which uses a wealth of primary historical sources, allows you to click on historical sites and zoom in to learn more about them.
Tutorials
Familiarize yourself with how StoryMaps works by viewing the tutorials below.
- Step-by-Step guideThis is a Step-by-Step guide highlighting the top ten functionalities of StoryMaps. It gives you a solid overview of what you can do -- including adding images, making a map, and customizing the design. You'll want to bookmark this guide and keep it handy because you'll likely want to refer back to it as you work on your project.
- Nine Steps to Great StorytellingNine techniques to make your project really stand out.
- ResourcesIf you are looking for specific components of StoryMaps, check out this page. You can select articles, tutorials, and videos about specific things such as planning your story, using express maps, making a slideshow, embedding web content, etc.
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