How do you tell a story using maps?

**This Story Map was created as a demo example for AmCon 111: Borders and Empires and PSCI 350: Immigration and Citizenship**

Many research projects start with an idea that is formed into an analysis. In order to create a mapping project, we need a well defined research topic in order to develop that analysis. We also need to include a geographic place!

So, how exactly do we do that?

There are multiple pieces of information we'll to think about:

• What it the topic of your project - can we form it into a research question?
• Where is the project located?
• What type of data do we need?

Before looking for data or deciding how to create the map - we need to start with a defined research question! This question will help to identify what resources we need to craft our research project and pinpoint data that will be

Creating a specific idea will also help to identify research and digital resources needed to proceed.

Writing or drawing out ideas for project can help with brainstorming. Mind-mapping is a good tool for visually breaking down an idea. It can also be valuable when collaborating with group members - everyone can contribute and give feedback.

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Click on the blue buttons to see the different stages of the project plan.

This map looks at the neighborhood block level in Minneapolis, MN - orange points indicate grocery stores, food shelves, and gas stations. These locations are placed on a map of locations of individuals that identify as African American or Black (left side) and a map of individuals that identify as White (right side).

Comparing access to healthy food options for African American or Black identifying households (left map) and White identifying households (right map) in Minneapolis, MN.

With the results from the map - we can start to explore new questions and further analyze the research project:

• How could there be such a variance in locations of population densities between the left map and right map? ( Recommended reading: Mapping Prejudice )
• How can we further parse out store locations to get an accurate view? Currently, the data contains everything considered a "grocery store" (Dollar General, Dollar Store, Hy-Vee, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Cub) would this change our view?
• We could also separately identify these stores versus locations of food shelves.

Always ask questions! What does this result mean to you and what have you discovered? Results can be both expected or unexpected - one or the other does not necessarily mean the results are correct or incorrect.

Data is the most important element of a project. You may need to create new data or customize data that has already been created. Applications that use mapping are typically referred to as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or GIS applications. These programs analyze 2 different types of data:

Points, lines, and polygons represent features on the planet's surface. Locations of cities, borders of countries, or road systems are all represented with vector data. In the map example above - store locations and the neighborhood block borders represent vector data.

•  ESRI Definition: Vector Data 

Aerial photography and imagery is an example of raster data. This type of data contains values within the pixels of the images and is ideal when analyzing information about the environment. A common example of raster data is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) which represents terrain and elevation of a particular region. In the example above - aerial photography of Minneapolis, MN is raster data.

•  ESRI Definition: What is raster data? 

State and Federal GIS data is typically open source and available for reuse. The data will still need to be cited in the source information, but it is free to use for analysis and research projects.

 Recommended reading: The Rights of Manoomin  - This Story Map created by Paige Mitchell & Chris Rico is an excellent example of mapping a combination of historical and digital humanities.

The David Rumsey online collection is an excellent resource of historical maps, images, filers, and other types of paperwork. Some historical maps are also converted into 3D, interactive virtual globes.

The Map Tour tool in ArcGIS Story Maps allows for customized, dynamically created tours. There is no limitations to the amount of points that can be added to the map:

• Add locations for events or historical occurrences: Meetings, location of written letters, where a speech was made, performances, creation of an invention, etc.
• Where was someone born and where did they live? Guide a reader through someone's life or how they traveled during a particular event.

If you need an ArcGIS Online account for you project, submit a request via the IT Helpdesk. If part of a class, you may have already received an invite 24 hours prior to any training session.

Full guide with linked how-to videos for navigating ArcGIS Online and starting a project.

Documentation and how-to guide for starting an ArcGIS Story Map. This process if very similar to using Wordpress.

**In most cases, if you're creating a Story Map for a class - there may already be a class group set up in order to submit your project!**

When working in a group - you will need a Group in order to share and collaborate on materials. Please note that you can't edit information synchronously and simultaneously. Only one person can edit a project at a time.  Contact the IT Helpdesk if you need a group. 

These are Story Map examples created by other organizations that use a wide variety of text, maps, and media content.

Content & Media: Text, static maps, images, and embedded audio (Soundcloud).

Content & Media: Static and interactive maps, embedded videos, slider maps, and images.

Content & Media: Static maps, images, embedded video, slider maps, interactive maps.

Content & Media: Images, image slider, image slideshows - this example uses Story Maps as a presentation platform, no maps in the project.