Story Maps with ARC GIS

Some students may be excited to explore more possibilities with digital mapping. Below is a sample assignment of what you might ask students to do.

Create a digital story map to illustrate your argument through written and visual evidence.

1. Browse the examples, tutorials, and FAQ page for help getting started. If you are feeling lost, you can always start here and keep coming back if you get stuck.

2. Make a free account on StoryMaps. 

3. Find or create a data set. Your data set will be a collection of the locations you want to map.

   1. Try using Wikipedia, Google Maps, or latlong.net for finding exact coordinates. Wikipedia often has coordinates for locations with dedicated pages on the righthand sidebar.

4. Make a map using your own data set. Accompany each point on your map with descriptive text.

   1. Your map and writing should work together to tell a story and make an argument. See the examples for inspiration on how to use words and visuals together.

5. Cite your sources.

   1. If you use anyone’s data (even if you change it) be sure to cite their work.

   2. If you are using primary and secondary source material to create your own dataset, cite those sources as well.

6. Submit your story map to Canvas. Upload a word document of your bibliography and include the link to your map at the top of the page.