Digital Storytelling with ArcGIS StoryMaps (Virtual) Online
Unlock the power of digital storytelling in this interactive workshop designed for anyone interested in combining narrative with spatial data. Through a blend of storytelling principles, platform exploration, and a live demonstration of ArcGIS StoryMaps, you’ll learn how to craft engaging, map-driven stories that inform, inspire, and connect with your audience.
ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool that enables you to integrate maps, text, images, multimedia, and embedded content into a single interactive narrative. Whether you’re communicating research, showcasing community stories, or presenting project results, StoryMaps offers a flexible platform to bring your ideas to life.
During this workshop, we’ll walk step-by-step through the StoryMaps builder, showing how to structure content, incorporate maps and multimedia, and apply design and layout options to elevate your storytelling.
A link to join the event online will be sent to registrants.
Map & Data Library (MDL) workshops, such as this one, are a welcoming and inclusive environment for learning. To learn more, check out our Code of Conduct.
MDL is committed to making our workshops accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the workshop, please contact Yeliz Baloglu Cengay (y.baloglu@utoronto.ca) to discuss options.
- Date:
- Friday, March 13, 2026
- Time:
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
- Audience:
- Alumni Community External Researchers Faculty Graduate Students Staff Undergraduate Students
- Categories:
- Workshop
What You Will Learn
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Understand Core Concepts of Digital Storytelling
2. Navigate the ArcGIS StoryMaps Platform
- Understand the interface and key components of the StoryMaps builder.
- Explore different content blocks (text, images, video, maps) and layout options.
3. Add and Configure Maps
- Insert and customize web maps, express maps, and other spatial content.
- Learn best practices for embedding maps that support your narrative.
4. Integrate Multimedia and Embedded Content
- Add images, video, and external embeds.
- Enhance engagement with interactive features such as sidecars and map tours.
5. Design with Intention
- Apply themes and styles for visual coherence.
- Organize content using narrative structure and thoughtful pacing.
6. Publish and Share Your Story
- Learn how to publish your StoryMap and share it via links or on social platforms.
- Discuss options for accessibility and audience reach.
Live Demonstration
We’ll build a StoryMap live together, using real content and examples to demonstrate:
- Choosing a StoryMap format (story vs briefing)
- Structuring your story with a clear beginning, body, and end
- Adding maps, multimedia, and narrative elements
- Applying design and layout tools for aesthetic impact
- Previewing and publishing your StoryMap
Participants will see how each component works in practice and will be encouraged to follow along in their own StoryMaps account.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is ideal for:
- Educators, researchers and students from any discipline
- GIS users looking to expand into public-facing storytelling
- Anyone interested in blending digital narrative with geographic data
No coding or prior GIS knowledge is required.
Why This Matters
In a world saturated with information, storytelling that blends clear narrative, compelling visuals, and interactive maps can significantly increase audience engagement and understanding. ArcGIS StoryMaps makes this storytelling accessible while offering powerful tools to communicate your message with geographic context and visual flair.
Yeliz Baloglu Cengay (she/her) is a Reference Specialist at the Map & Data Library. She has an MA (History) from Brandeis University and an MLIS from Western University.
She provides supports for general research, data and map discovery, and GIS software .
