What is ArcGIS StoryMaps?

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a story authoring web-based application that allows you to share your maps in the context of narrative text and other multimedia content. You can use ArcGIS StoryMaps to do the following:

  • Author stories with the story builder. Stories can include maps, narrative text, lists, images, videos, embedded items, and other media.
  • Author and present dynamic presentations with briefings. Seamlessly integrate live maps, real-time data, multimedia, and more within a slide-based format.
  • Publish and share your stories and briefings. Published stories and briefings each have their own URL, and you can use these URLs to share your stories within your organization, to specific groups, or with everyone.
  • Create and publish collections. Collections can include stories and ArcGIS web apps bundled together for easy sharing and presenting.
  • Manage your stories. View and edit your stories from the Stories page, find stories authored by others in your organization, and add stories to your favorites list.

Transition to ArcGIS StoryMaps from the classic Esri Story Maps

ArcGIS StoryMaps is Esri's next-generation storytelling platform and is the recommended tool to create stories in ArcGIS. The classic Esri Story Maps templates, such as Story Map Tour and Story Map Series, are in extended support and are no longer being updated with new capabilities or fixes. For more information about the status of the classic templates and information to help your transition to ArcGIS StoryMaps, see the Product Road Map page.

There are a number of advantages to authoring stories with ArcGIS StoryMaps:

  • Story builder—ArcGIS StoryMaps provides a single authoring experience that allows you the flexibility to create stories with a variety of contents.
  • Enhanced support for ArcGIS maps and scenes—You can configure web scenes and create bookmarks without leaving the story builder, and the pop-ups, legends, and other map elements have been improved.
  • Express maps—Simple, lightweight maps created in the story builder add basic geographic context to a narrative.
  • One-click themes—Change the look and feel of your story (background colors, accents, fonts, express maps, and more) with the click of a button. You can also create themes in a few minutes.
  • Publishing workflow—Drafts and edits are automatically saved as you build the story. After a story has been published, you can make additional revisions or updates without affecting the shared version. When you are ready, you can republish the story to make your changes visible.
  • Mobile-first design—The tool's modern design is optimized for viewing stories on both desktop computers and mobile devices.
  • Discoverability—Improved search tools to find published stories within your organization and other useful ArcGIS content.
  • Social sharing—You can share published stories and display them as formatted cards on social networks.