A Story Map Portfolio
Story Maps created by HDR GeoIM and StratComm teams.
Why create a Story Map?
A good story can hook an audience. It can effect change, influence opinion, and create awareness—and maps are often an integral part of that storytelling. In today's virtual world, the ability to provide informative, engaging content to stakeholders is more important than ever.
Story Maps offer ready-made templates that combine interactive maps and strong visuals with narrative. This format can communicate a stronger sense of place, illustrate spatial relationships, and add visual appeal and credibility to ideas. Story Maps are multi-media friendly, and this variety of content encourages participation from different types of users.
The examples in this portfolio showcase following types of content:
- Virtual meetings / workshops
- Descriptions of project features
- Executive summaries
- Alternatives comparisons
Read on to explore HDR's Story Map portfolio.
Virtual Meetings
Online meetings now serve a critical communications need. Using photos, graphics, and map tours, a Story Map can virtually introduce readers to a proposed project.
Story maps can incorporate participation methods such as map-based commenting, comment cards, and surveys.
Orlando Southwest Bike & Pedestrian Study
Purpose: The City of Orlando needed to identify the highest risk intersections for bicyclists and pedestrians and to allocate funding for overpasses in those areas. Cheryl prepared traffic and safety criteria models, intersection scores, and an online meeting Story Map to present proposed projects to the public and obtain feedback.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Custom theme - elements match brand graphics and fonts, creating a consistent visual style throughout
- Swipe tool - compares High Injury Network Maps for bikes and pedestrians
- Videos - present project information in short segments
- Survey123 - survey collects important public feedback
Team
- Cheryl Isenberg - Orlando, FL
North Platte Regional Airport 2040 Master Plan
Purpose: An online public meeting that allows users to review and provide feedback on proposed alternatives.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Custom theme - elements match brand graphics and fonts, creating a consistent visual style throughout
- Swipe tool - shows interior/exterior building features (example at right) or day/night displays
- Slideshow - offers an alternative to Sidecar to mix up content delivery
- Survey123 - multiple surveys collect feedback throughout the Story Map
Team
- John Sliffe - Omaha, NE
Help Decide the Future of the Burnside Bridge
Purpose: Portland's aging downtown bridges are not expected to withstand a major earthquake. That’s why Multnomah County is taking the lead on making at least one crossing, Burnside Bridge, earthquake ready. They are currently studying several different bridge types and variations. This StoryMap invites the public to review the options and share feedback.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- 7 languages - translated to Arabic, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- 3D interactive video - shows simulated bridge options in an engaging, visual format
- Seamless graphics - smooth transitions using the Sidecar feature highlight change, functioning like an animation the user can control
- JotForm survey - collects feedback; easier to style in CSS and manage translated content
Team
- Vanessa Bauman - Bellingham, WA
- Cassie Davis - Portland, OR
CONNECT Beyond: A Regional Mobility Initiative
Purpose: Three Story Maps serve to replace in-person Technical Advisory Committee meetings. The team needed a seamless way for MPOs/RPOs to review project strategy and solicit feedback from stakeholders.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Google Analytics - tracks engagement metrics
- Video - includes instructions for how to leave a comment
- Interactive map - provides the interface to submit a comment
- Survey 123 form - collects comments
- Project branding - from maps to graphics, design choices create a clean, unified theme
Team
- Bridget Wagner - Glen Allen, VA
- Sabrina Colon - Charlotte, NC
Grand Island NE 2045 LRTP
Purpose: Online public meeting
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Spanish version - translates meeting content
- Videos - includes project overview information and instructions on how to navigate the online meeting
- Animated GIFs - show how to make a map-based comment
- Interactive maps and Survey123 forms - collect public comments
Team
- Ryan Woehl - Omaha, NE
- Kristen Veldhouse - Omaha, NE
River Street Reconstruction Project
Purpose: Virtual open house
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Map tour - guides the reader through each street design options
- Swipe tool - compares current conditions with proposed plaza options
- Survey 123 comment forms - invites the user to provide comments on each option
- Map-based comment form - allows the user to submit a map-based comment about the proposed designs
- Videos and photos - document the public participation process
Team
- Gloryah Allen - New York, NY
- Ruthie Tane - New York, NY
- Zachary Lehmann - New York, NY
- Rosie Jaswal - Boston, MA
- Rick Plenge - Boston, MA
RapidTrip 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update
Purpose: Online public meeting for project conclusion.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Survey123 - collects input from the public
- Video series - includes project overview, existing conditions, MTP findings, multimodal considerations, bicycle and pedestrian plan, and next steps
- Interactive maps - allow users to explore MTP map data
Team
- Ryan Woehl - Omaha, NE
- Kristen Veldhouse - Omaha, NE
Rapid City Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - Online Meeting
Purpose: To host an online public meeting; to review and comment on proposed transportation alternatives.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Project branded graphics - keep materials consistent across platforms
- Interactive maps - present analysis results and plans
- Numbered navigation - walks readers sequentially through the open house
- Prioritization surveys - collect feedback on community values
- Comment map - provides an interactive way to provide input
Team
- Ryan Woehl - Omaha, NE
FORWARD 2045 - Online Meeting
Purpose: To host an online public meeting; to collect feedback on potential alternatives and strategies.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Videos - provide a project overviews and history
- Static maps - quickly orient readers
- Interactive maps - present analysis results
- Comment cards - collect feedback using a survey
Team
- Ryan Woehl - Omaha, NE
Project Features
Story Maps with a narrow focus draw our attention. This approach works well when nested with other web materials that provide context. The following examples highlight detailed information, such as proposed capital improvement projects, project phases, or analysis results.
Stowe Regional Water Treatment Service Areas
Purpose: To map and describe current and planned service area facilities.
WATER
Featured Elements
- Web-embedded - view the Story Map embedded in the project website
- Classic Series template - uses circles and numbers for navigation, instead of tabs
- Custom color palette - reflects the client's brand and will sync with existing web materials
- Social media share links - encourage public engagement
Team
- Brook Stout - Colorado Springs, CO
- Erin Koch - Charlotte, NC
- Seth Hays - Lexington, KY
- Sabrina Colon - Charlotte, NC
US Freight Railroad Network
Purpose: To provide regional context and background information.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Photos and text - introduce the subject and its history
- Series template - organizes environmental categories by tab
- Interactive maps - make rail networks possible at any scale
Team
- Michael Schmedt - Orlando, FL
KYTC D5 Outer Corridor Environmental Analysis
Purpose: To illustrate environmental impacts by category.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Series template - organizes environmental categories by tab
- Interactive maps - make viewing corridor footprints and impacts possible at any scale
- Vector and aerial base maps - provide local context
Team
- Brook Stout - Colorado Springs, CO
- Seth Hays - Lexington, KY
Executive Summaries
An executive summary is a story, after all, and the Story Map format can make technical documents more engaging and approachable.
Clients often choose this format because of the ability to incorporate interactive maps.
Interactive maps enable every stakeholder to explore information at a level of detail that is relevant to them. Functions such as zoom and pan take readers to their area of interest, pop-ups provide statistical data, and links to further resources can be included.
MetroPlan Orlando - Tracking the Trends
Purpose: MetroPlan Orlando leads planning for the mobility, safety, and connectivity needs of Central Florida residents, businesses, and visitors. Use the Story Map to explore their monitoring program to see how the transportation system is performing and the area is changing.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Collection - organizes six separate story maps into a single landing page
- Interactive maps - unlike static report maps, the interactive environment provides detailed information at all map scales
- Project branded infographics - present data trends as represented in the report
- Mobile-friendly user interface - engages audiences across devices
Team
- Vanessa Bauman - Bellingham, WA
- Michael Schmedt - Orlando, FL
- Megan McGinley - Orlando, FL
- Janet Tauszik - Orlando, FL
- Cheryl Isenberg - Orlando, FL
City of Billings Public Works GIS Needs Assessment
Purpose: To evaluate, summarize, and provide recommendations for Public Works GIS operational needs.
RESOURCES / WATER
Featured Elements
- Hexagon thematic maps - compare equal areas of sewer, water, and stormwater data conditions using the Swipe tool
- Multiple dashboards - summarize survey results and roadmap prioritization
- Map tour - highlights the differences in workflows across divisions in Public Works.
Team
- Michael Krueger - Billings, MT
- Bridget Brown - Anchorage, AK
Southwest Bike and Pedestrian Study
Purpose: Use the Story Map to explore potential improvements to create a safer and better-connected system for bicyclists and pedestrians in the SW Orlando community.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Swipe tool - compares high concentrations of pedestrian and bicycle crashes
- Interactive maps - unlike static report maps, the interactive environment provides detailed information at all map scales
- Project branded infographics - present data trends as represented in the report
- Mobile-friendly user interface - engages audiences across devices
Team
- Cheryl Isenberg - Orlando, FL
MetroPlan Orlando - 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Purpose: To summarize the Existing Conditions & Area Profile MTP report.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Custom vector base map - designed for better place name/label legibility
- Interactive maps - unlike static report maps, the interactive environment provides detailed information at all map scales
- Project branded infographics - present data trends as represented in the report
- Mobile-friendly user interface - engages audiences across devices
Team
- Vanessa Bauman - Bellingham, WA
- Michael Schmedt - Orlando, FL
- Richard Littlefield - Orlando, FL
Texas Water Development Board: Statewide Survey of ASR and AR Suitability
Purpose: To summarize the statewide survey of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and aquifer recharge (AR) suitability.
WATER
Featured Elements
- Classic Series template - organizes the survey results using tabs
- Interactive maps - suitability map application lets users explore the data
Team
- Thomas Brown - Austin, TX
- Kalyan Javvaji - Austin, TX
- Cooper Consulting
Statewide Truck GPS Analysis - Florida DOT
Purpose: To analyze and report truck parking supply and utilization.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Photos - illustrate the critical truck parking issue
- Links - to data sources add credibility and depth to the story
- Swipe transitions - signal to the reader a change in map scale or data display
- Embedded dashboard - provides an interactive conclusion to the report
Team
- Brittany Wood - Tallahassee, FL
- Makarand Gawade - Tallahassee, FL
Storm Drain Master Plan - City and County of Denver
Purpose: To provide a high-level summary of the Master Plan.
WATER
Featured Elements
- Descriptive photos - help to define technical terms
- Classic Cascade dark template - makes these photos pop
- Static maps - illustrate storm drainage systems and flow
- Infographics - illustrate Denver’s storm drainage level of service
Team
- Wilson Wheeler - Denver, CO
- Anita Langemach - Denver, CO
Comparing Alternatives
Clear navigation tools make comparing A and B quick in a Story Map. Each template offers unique navigation options can be used for this purpose.
SunLine Transit Agency Network
Purpose: To view and explore existing and proposed transit routes.
TRANSPORTATION
Featured Elements
- Classic Series template - presents a series of route alternative maps that readers can browse and switch between using tabs
- Nested story map - includes a Cascade template story map nested in the Overview tab
Team
- Zach Floerke - Folsom, CA
- Kim Loan Tran - Folsom, CA
FAQs
Story Maps are relatively quick to produce using Esri's ready-made templates. There are limitations; however, and it's important to be familiar with the options.
Links to Resources and Answers to FAQs
Can I include interactive charts and infographics?
Yes, but... Read this article for guidance on just how much interactivity to include in a Story Map.
Are Story Maps mobile-friendly?
Esri optimized the new version for mobile viewing. If this is a priority, do your research before choosing a Classic template.
Can I embed a Story Map in a project website?
Yes. Check out the City of Scottsdale and the Parley's Interchange EIS examples.
Is a Story Map ADA compliant?
A VPAT, or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is available for ArcGIS StoryMaps. A VPAT is a report that explains how a software product meets the US government’s Section 508 Standards for accessibility.
This accessibility conformance report was prepared by a highly-qualified third-party contractor and represents the results of their detailed accessibility review of ArcGIS StoryMaps. The report can be found in the reference section of the ArcGIS StoryMaps product documentation , and there’s a direct link to the final report here . This document will be a useful resource for anyone evaluating the use of ArcGIS StoryMaps in their organization.
How much does the Story Map platform cost?
Story Maps are included as part of our Esri License Agreement. There is no added cost.
Can a Story Map be confidential?
Yes, but this must be planned in advance and adds complexity. Story Maps are best suited for the public or for internal use by organizations with existing AGOL accounts.
Do you have tips on how to improve a Story Map?
- Start with a hook. Engage readers with good images/video and text right away.
- Keep paragraphs and sentences short.
- Use simple language in active voice.
- Use only high-quality maps, graphics, and narrative. Spend some time on these elements. Work with your StratComm team as needed.
- To make graphics crisp, make sure they are sized exactly according to recommendations (1200 px for medium, 1920 px for large).
- Less is more. Cutting material is hard, but don't use all your of tricks/content at once, and keep the message clear.
- Limit the amount of interactive content. See this article for guidance.
- Include photos of humans or animals if you can. Eye contact in a photo can help readers identify with the story.
- Think about unity in the overall design. Do all of your maps and graphics follow a consistent color/brand standard?
- Be consistent. It's easier to follow a format that presents content the same way over and over. Introducing new elements too often can disorient readers.
- Find inspiration from news media websites. They are not Story Maps, but the storytelling concept is similar. Check out this example from the New York Times.
- Have a colleague review your Story Map.
- Edit again.
What new features are available in Story Maps?
It changes often! Follow this blog .
More questions?
Esri provides good information here . Or reach out to a Story Map expert near you.
