ArcGIS

ArcGIS StoryMaps

ArcGIS StoryMaps provides a platform for sharing maps, images, videos and narrative content with your peers and the world. The self-paced tutorial below introduces ArcGIS StoryMaps with step-by-step instructions. The subject matter for this storymap includes multi-media pieces describing the treacherous journey Laura Secord took to save her country. For inspiration, watch this heritage minute video.

Let’s get started!

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Tutorial

1. Getting Started
2. Content Blocks
3. Floating Images
4. Videos or Embed Content
5. Sidecar #1
6. Sidecar #2
7. Sidecar #3
8. Adding Maps
9. Swipe Content
10. Credits
11. Preview & Publish

 

1. Getting Started

1. Go to https://storymaps.arcgis.com/ and sign in using your Brock University credentials. HINT: Click Your ArcGIS organization’s URL; enter Brock to complete the URL; click Brock University (this will take you to the Brock authentication page.)
2. The home page will list any storymaps you’ve already created. If you’re new to the platform, get started by clicking +New Story > Start from scratch.
3. Add a title (Walking Laura’s Way) and subtitle (a story about Laura Secord’s famous journey).
4. Save the image below (right-click > Save image as...) and add it as the cover image.
5. At the top right of the workspace, click Add Cover Image or video. Browse to the saved image "TwelveMileCreekPainting_TPL.jpg".

 

(Courtesy of Toronto Public Library).

6. Click Design at the top of the window. Explore the design options available. For example, change the cover settings, turn on Navigation (explained later) and select a Theme (Tidal).

7. ArcGIS Storymaps uses autosave so there isn't a save button. The software will save automatically every few seconds.

 

2. Content Blocks

StoryMaps are broken down by ‘content blocks’.

1. Scroll down and click the plus sign to see the options available. You may need to scroll through the list to see all of the options.

2. Add text “Introduction” and format it as a Heading 1. HINT: Highlight the text to access formatting options.
3. All headers are included in the Navigation bar at the top of the story, below the title page.
4. Copy and paste the introduction provided below:

On the 22nd of June, 1813, Laura was busy tending to the militia bunking at her homestead in the small town of Queenston. Being a woman, she was not suspected of espionage and so she learned of a sneak attack the Americans were planning later that week in Thorold. With her husband unwell, Laura resolutely decided to make the treacherous journey on her own to warn Lt. Fitzgibbon and save Upper Canada.

 

3. Floating Images

1. Download the following image.

2. In your StoryMap, scroll down, click the plus sign and add the image (MapLauraSecordsWalk.jpg).
3. Change the settings to Float Left. The various options will appear when you move the mouse over the image after placing it.
4. Add a caption A map of Laura Secord’s walk.
5. Click the gears button to access options including attribution and alternative text for screen readers.

6. Add attribution Map illustration by Laszlo Gal.

7. To the right of the map, +Continue your story by adding and formatting the text:

The map seen here depicts one interpretation of the route that Laura took on June 22, 1813. There were supposedly 5 phases: Queenston to St. Davids, St. Davids to Homer, Homer to Shipman’s Corners, Shipman’s Corners to Power Glen, Power Glen to Decew House

 

4. Videos or Embed Content

1. Click the plus icon and select Video under the Media section.
2. Click Link and copy/paste this video URL https://youtu.be/_L-vL5NFkYA 
3. Click Add.
4. You can adjust the size of the video. Rest your mouse over the video and select an appropriate size.
5. The options (gears button) allow you to include alternative text.
6. To embed additional web content, from the insert options, choose embed and paste an iframe code or link to your content.

 

5. Sidecar #1

1. Add text and format as a heading: Five Phases of Laura’s Walk
2. Click the plus icon and select Sidecar under the Immersive section. A sidecar allows you to have a ‘main stage’ of content with a scrolling ‘sidecar’ of additional information.
3. Select the Docked option.
4. Click Save.
5. For the main stage on the right, click Add > Add map.
6. Select the web map you created in the Intro to ArcGIS Online tutorial.
7. Alternately, if you are using an Organizational account (Brock affiliates) select My Organization tab and search for “Laura Secord’s Famous Walk to Thorold”. There will be a variety of maps listed since others have created maps of Laura Secord's famous walk. Look for the result by "sjanzen".

8. Click the search result and click Save.

6. Sidecar #2

1. On the sidecar panel to the left of the map, add text “Queenston to St. Davids” and format it as Heading 2.
2. Below the heading, click the plus sign and select Media Action (Brock affiliate users only).
3. Describe this map action as “Phase One”.
4. Click + Add Action >> Edit Map View to activate the map options. Zoom to Phase One of the route (indicated by the purple line on the map). Try using the bookmarks  to zoom to each phase.
5. Click Save at the bottom right of the window.
6. Below the Phase One button, add a paragraph of text describing phase one:

It must’ve been early in the morning on June 22nd, 1813 that Laura headed out to save her country. Being a woman wouldn’t cause suspicion in her travels and some say that she brought her cow along for the journey… at least part of it. No doubt, she hurried to her relatives’ home in St. Davids where she would’ve sought the help of her half-brother, Charles. However, Charles was sick and so Laura’s niece, Elizabeth offered to accompany her. And off they went to Homer.

 

7. Sidecar #3

Repeat section six for each of the phases, adjusting the map action to suit the particular phase. Details below:

Phase Two: St. Davids to Homer
Historical maps show the most direct route would’ve been via Queenston Rd although some would argue that York Rd was the more popular link. At any rate, this segment of the journey included reference to the “Black Swamp”. The map below depicts the region in 1818 with labels and symbols for swamp landcover. Although the landscape has changed significantly, it is a fact that there were many streams and rivers indicative of low-lying land and perhaps ‘swamp-like’ terrain.

Phase Three: Homer to Shipman’s Corners
Having lost her travel companions (documents indicate that Elizabeth turned back at Homer and likely brought the cow with her), Laura continued over Ten Mile Creek toward St. Catharines and Shipman’s Corners (modern day Ontario St and St Paul St). At this point, she would face crossing Twelve Mile Creek and likely used a ‘low level’ bridge.
OPTIONAL: insert image “Crossing-the-Twelve.jpg”

Phase Four: Shipman’s Corners to Power Glen
Having descended the banks of the Twelve and crossed over to the southwest side, Laura likely ascended the embankment to follow the trail (Pelham Rd) to Power Glen. Although this route is indeed circuitous, there is no doubt she consulted her husband and brother regarding the journey. At first glance, we may wonder why she didn’t take a more direct route, but there were enemy troops to consider.

Phase Five: Power Glen to Decew House
The final leg of her journey would’ve been arduous, to say the least. The terrain would’ve been hilly and forested with another crossing of the Twelve Mile Creek, this time by a fallen tree, rather than a sturdy bridge! And then to face the Indians! After describing her plight, she was escorted to Decew House and shared her intel with Lt. Fitzgibbon. Imagine the exhaustion! And how did she get back home?
OPTIONAL: insert image “MeetingWithFitzgibbon.jpg”

 

8. Adding Maps

1. Scroll down until you see the plus sign below the sidecar element.
2. Insert text, “Historical Maps” and format it as Heading 1.
3. Click the plus sign and add a map. Search My Organization for “Laura Secord’s Famous Walk to Thorold”.
4. Select the map and when you see the layer listing on the left, click the eye icon to turn off the Niagara 1862 map and turn on the Niagara 1818 map.
5. Click Save.

 

9. Swipe Content

1. Click the plus sign and add a media element called SWIPE.
2. Click Web map on the LEFT and select “Laura’s Famous Walk to Thorold”. Turn off Niagara 1862 and turn on Niagara 1910. Zoom in if necessary.
3. Click Save.
4. Click Web map on the RIGHT and select “Laura’s Famous Walk to Thorold”. Turn off Niagara 1862 so that just the route, destinations and basemap are showing.
5. Click Save.
6. Resize the map to medium or large (hint, rest the mouse over the swipe window to see the sizing options.)

 

10. Credits

1. Scroll down and click the plus icon to add a “Credits” heading.
2. Copy and paste your list of credits to this paragraph section:

Twelve Mile Creek Painting https://bit.ly/3eBkc7Q
Map of Laura Secord’s walk, Illustrated by Laszlo Gal https://bit.ly/3f9tZCn
Alun Hughes https://bit.ly/3gKtYXP
Laura Secord’s Famous walk https://bit.ly/3eGtsr0
Laura Secord, Legendary Patriot https://bit.ly/3xxujmM
Crossing the Twelve https://bit.ly/3t02gZN
Talking with Fitzgibbon Painting, Lorne Kidd Smith
Friends of Laura Secord https://bit.ly/3eBlhfU

 

11. Preview & Publish

ArcGIS StoryMaps offer various preview options (desktop, tablet, mobile). See how your story behaves using each option.

1. At the top of the editor window, click Preview. When prompted with a warning about activity history, click Continue.
2. Explore the options and interact with the storymap as it appears on a tablet, mobile device or desktop.
3. Close the preview options tool by clicking the X to the right of the options to return to the Editor.
4. Click Publish and set the sharing option to Everyone (Public) then click Publish story. If prompted to update the sharing status of your mapping components, click Update Sharing.
5. When a storymap has been shared publicly, there will be a share button at the top right of the storymap window.