Welcome to StoryMaps

• ESRI stands for "Environmental Systems Research Institute"
• ESRI was founded in 1969 as a land-use consulting firm and has grown to become a worldwide leader in GIS.
• ESRI is the leading supplier of GIS software, webGIS & geodatabase management.
• They are the software publishers of the ArcGIS Online Platform & StoryMaps.

• GIS is the acronym for
  • "Geographic Information System"
• The "S" stands for SYSTEM
  • this system is comprised of the Software that runs various analyses, the People that practice the science and art of GIS, the Methods and Procedures that are used to perform geographic analyses and make maps, the Data that goes into these analyses and finally, the Hardware - computers, servers, mobile devices, satellites etc. - that are necessary for the System to work!

1. Who is my audience?
2. What am I trying to convey to my audience?
3. What is the “goal” of my StoryMap?
   1. Specific message
   2. Conveying new knowledge or desire to learn about a subject?
   3. Take an action?

StoryMaps is an incredibly robust, powerful and engaging platform to share data, maps and narrative - but it's easy to get lost in the features and technology. Set yourself up for success by doing a bit of thinking and planning about what it is that you want to share with the world.

If your section is going to be narrative text, try to get it as close to finished and edited before incorporating into the StoryMap to avoid having to edit later.

• Is it an image?
• Is it data?
• Is it a map?
• Is it a video?
• Is it a voice over?

• Story Map copy is somewhat different than in other mediums - you want to get your point across; but you want to leverage the multimedia aspects of the platform.
• Be sure to write in a clear and compelling manner but don't forget to consider whether your content could be edited for brevity or be better communicated as a different type of multi-media.
• If you are still working on your text sections don't worry - consider using  lorem ipsum  to get started with your StoryMap and come back with your final writing later.

• Consider Images carefully, what will be compelling and add to the narrative.
• Edit carefully - crop, resize, touch up or photoshop sooner than later.
• Are you including videos or other features? Be sure to know if videos, sounds or gifs can be successfully incorporated into your StoryMap before you make them a critical component in your story.

• Consider map features carefully
  • Symbology and Pop-ups are important factors that will make your map understandable and attractive

• Follow your storyboard - but it helps to be adaptable as you realize what kinds of creative elements are available within the platform.
• Take notes as you go - keeping a record of thoughts and ideas as you create your StoryMap will help you keep changes organized as you create.
• Use filler language or photos to get a sense of the "rhythm" of the piece. The StoryMap medium is distinct; it's not a report, it's not a presentation, it's not a video. It's all of the above! Sometimes it helps to use some place-holders to get a sense of how things are paced or whether a layout is attractive or understandable.

• Is your StoryMap staying true to your audience?
• Is your StoryMap staying true to your narrative?
• Take time to preview and make changes. Sometimes taking a break from designing and editing to see how things look to future users is a helpful way to make sure what you're working on makes sense.
• Solicit input, advice and feedback from others. It's easy to get tunnel vision working on StoryMaps. Be sure to share your work early and often to make sure you're on the right track with audience members.

ESRI offers two platforms for the creation of StoryMaps. Both platforms offer free, public accounts.

• the  ArcGIS.com StoryMaps  offer a more robust use of mapping and geographic tools.

•  StoryMaps.com  is still a robust storytelling platform but offers less GIS capabilities.

Give them both a try and be sure to explore the extremely informational tutorials and learning resources available with each.

If you set up an ArcGIS.com account you'll be able to access the full suite of mapping features that are available on ArcGIS Online.

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. - Abraham Lincoln

The tutorials available on the platform and in  other videos available online  will be invaluable resources in creating your first StoryMap and familiarizing yourself with the platform.

Be patient with yourself and your learning curve. StoryMaps can be fun to make and delightful to share but they take time to learn and get comfortable with. Take your time and invest early in getting to know the in's and out's of the platform.