Turn Your Research Into a Story Worth Reading
ArcGIS StoryMaps is Esri's web-based storytelling tool, which allows you to combine maps, images, video, and narrative text into an interactive story anyone can follow. No need to install any program — sign in with your UMN Internet ID and start building.
What ArcGIS StoryMaps Does
StoryMaps lets you weave interactive maps, photos, video, and text into a single scrollable narrative. Built-in "express maps" mean you don't even need an existing web map to get started: just add sketch points, lines and annotations directly inside the story builder.
The result reads less like a GIS output and more like a digital presentation, which makes it a natural fit for sharing research with audiences who've never opened a GIS tool in their life.
Share Your Research Through Interactive Stories
Tell Engaging Stories
StoryMaps is ideal for creating interactive, inspiring presentations that speak to a wide audience — including those without a background in GIS or academia.
No Coding, No Installation
Drag-and-drop building blocks and guided templates mean anyone can build a polished story, regardless of their technical background.
Built for Sharing
Publish with a link, embed a story on your own website, or share it across social platforms. Built-in analytics help you see how people are engaging with your project.
Signing In Takes Two Minutes
There's no separate account to request. Sign in with your UMN Internet ID and your access is instant.
Steps
- Go to storymaps.arcgis.com and select Sign In.
- Expand Your ArcGIS Organization's UR.
- Type “umn” and select Continue.
- Select the UMN Internet ID button and sign in on the University's single sign-on page.
- Enter your Internet ID and password on the University’s single sign-on page.
Note: It can take up to 10 minutes after your first sign-in for your account to be fully activated.
Documentation & learning resources
Instructions for Signing In
A step-by-step walkthrough of signing in to StoryMaps with your UMN Internet ID.
View Sign-In Instructions →Geospatial Skills Badge: Storytelling
U-Spatial's self-paced badge program for going deeper with StoryMaps.
Explore Storytelling Badge →Training opportunities in ArcGIS StoryMaps
Explore workshops and tutorials designed to help you build, share and manage spatial data.
Scheduled sessions
Live & Instructor-led SessionsArcGIS StoryMaps: Visual Storytelling with Maps
External & Vendor Training
Hosted outside of the UMNIntroducing ArcGIS StoryMaps
Inform the public, update project stakeholders, entertain an audience, or inspire action.
Creating an ArcGIS StoryMaps Briefing
Learn to create interactive, accessible slide presentations for offline sharing.
ArcGIS StoryMaps FAQs
Quick answers to what people ask us most about getting started.
Do I need any GIS experience to use StoryMaps?
Not at all.
StoryMaps is designed for anyone with a story to tell, not just GIS specialists. It’s a simple, no-code web tool that works like a drag-and-drop website builder.
Do I need to create a map first?
No. Express Maps let you start from scratch.
StoryMaps includes "express maps," a simplified map-building tool inside the story editor itself. You can add points, lines, and annotations without ever opening ArcGIS Online separately, though you're welcome to import an existing web map if you have one.
Can I use StoryMaps for a class assignment or thesis presentation?
Yes, it's popular for exactly that!
StoryMaps is widely used across UMN for coursework, thesis presentations, and public-facing research communication. If you want to build your skills further, check out U-Spatial's Geospatial Skills Storytelling Badge.
Who can see my story?
You choose!
Like other Esri apps, you control the sharing settings for every story you create. It can be private, shared within your organization, or fully public.
Is there a cost?
No, it's included in the University's Esri site license.
StoryMaps is free for every UMN student, faculty, and staff member, covered by the University's Esri site license. Use is limited to academic, research, and outreach purposes.
Free for the UMN Community
What It Costs
ArcGIS StoryMaps is free for every University of Minnesota student, faculty, and staff member, covered by the University's site license with Esri.
Esri resources obtained through the University may not be used for commercial purposes. Use is limited to academic, research, and outreach work.
Costs Beyond the University
StoryMaps isn't sold on its own — it's bundled into ArcGIS Online, so anyone outside the University needs an ArcGIS Online subscription to use it. See Esri's ArcGIS Online pricing page for current user type costs, or sign up for a free trial.