Mapping software ArcGIS StoryMaps

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Overview
ArcGIS StoryMaps enables teams to turn GIS data into structured digital narratives and slide-based briefings that combine interactive maps, 3D scenes, embedded content and multimedia. The builder provides a guided, flexible environment to assemble content, apply themes and produce shareable narratives for internal and external stakeholders.

Key capabilities

• Create digital stories and slide-based briefings that combine maps, 3D scenes, text, photos, video, audio and embedded content.
• Use an intuitive builder to integrate multimedia with geographic information into coherent narratives or briefings.
• Express maps: author interactive maps with points, pop-ups, arrows and other expressive elements that remain interactive inside the story.
• Support for ArcGIS web maps, web scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated ArcGIS Living Atlas content.
• Organize content into collections and apply pre-designed themes or custom styling to match organizational branding.
• Advanced image editing in the builder (crop, resize, adjust) to prepare visuals during authoring.
• Publish as standalone narratives, embed in websites or share via links and social platforms using built-in sharing tools.
• Analytics to measure audience engagement and understand how stories perform.

Use cases and examples

• Environmental and conservation narratives that combine field data and maps.
• Urban change and time-series visualizations presented as briefings.
• Community collections that aggregate multiple related stories and map-driven content.
• Organizational briefings and presentations with slide-like structure linked to interactive maps.

Product positioning and licensing
ArcGIS StoryMaps is available with ArcGIS user types and can be deployed via Esri-hosted SaaS or within self-hosted geospatial infrastructures depending on organizational requirements and licensing choices. Purchasing and deployment options follow ArcGIS product and user-type offerings.

Multimedia and integration

• Supports embedded video and foreground animation assets to illustrate workflows and examples.
• Integrates photos, video and audio assets alongside interactive maps and 3D scenes.
• Includes templates, gallery examples and curated stories to accelerate production and inspire authors.

Technical features / specifications

• Product name: ArcGIS StoryMaps
• Included with: ArcGIS user types
• Primary functions: digital storytelling, slide-based briefings, map integration, multimedia embedding
• Map support: express maps, ArcGIS web maps, ArcGIS web scenes, ArcGIS Living Atlas content
• Design features: pre-designed themes, custom theming, advanced image editing in builder
• Sharing & publishing: publish as standalone, embed in websites, share via links and social platforms
• Analytics: built-in engagement and usage analytics
• Multimedia: supports images and video assets (including hosted MP4 foreground animations)
• Examples & resources: curated gallery of stories, collections and briefs for inspiration