A digital mapping project that ffectively combines maps with rich multimedia content like images, videos, and text to create visually engaging narratives. 

An open source alternative to ArcGIS StoryMaps

Pros

  • Clear spatial progression:Users navigate through the story by moving through different points on the map, making it ideal for stories that unfold geographically. 
  • Visually appealing 
  • Social sharing capabilities:Easily embed and share created story maps on various platforms

Cons

  • Limited complex interactions: Not well-suited for stories requiring intricate map interactions like zooming in and out dynamically across large areas. 
  • Linear narrative focus:The story unfolds in a predetermined sequence, making it less flexible for narratives that need to jump between locations freely. 
  • Potential for overwhelming content:Too many slides on a single map can become confusing for viewers. 
  • Customization limitations:While styling options are available, advanced map customization may require additional coding knowledge. 
  • Dependency on location data:Requires accurate geographic coordinates for each story point, which can be a challenge for less well-documented locations. 
  • No collaborative creation option

Difficulty Rating

**

Operating System

Requires a Google account

Accessibility

Though this is a simple tool, it was not developed with accessibility in mind. StoryMap creation is not mobile-phone-friendly (but viewing StoryMaps is.)

Cost

Free/open


External Media Resource

Tutorial for this Tool

  • StoryMap JS

    What is StoryMapJS? StoryMapJS is a free tool to help you tell location based stories on the web. Especially good for highlight the locations of a series of events and adding layers of context.…


Example Projects Using this Tool