ArcGIS StoryMaps
What it is
ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for sharing maps, apps, and multimedia through narrative presentations. Authors can create stories, slide-based briefings, mobile-first frames, and collections, then apply reusable themes. The builder supports configured 2D web maps and 3D web scenes, as well as ArcGIS apps made by organization members. Stories can incorporate existing ArcGIS maps and scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated ArcGIS Living Atlas maps. Published work can be shared with an organization, chosen groups, or everyone; organization members can co-author through groups. Changes save automatically, and authors can republish edits when they are ready to show them. Full creation features are available to Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus user types. Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker accounts can view shared work but cannot create it. Public accounts are free, with usage limits and some advanced features unavailable. The offering lists a free plan and a 21-day trial. StoryMaps is also included with ArcGIS Enterprise from version 10.8.1 and can be deployed in disconnected environments.
For and against
For
- Supports 2D maps and 3D web scenes.
- Stories can be shared with groups or everyone.
- Organization members can co-author through groups.
- Changes save automatically before republishing.
- Builder supports accessibility features including keyboard navigation and alternative text.
Against
- Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker cannot create stories.
- Public accounts have usage limits.
- Some advanced features are unavailable on public accounts.
- Media and story data use ArcGIS Online storage credits.
The verdict
StoryMaps offers several narrative formats for combining maps, apps, and multimedia, with sharing and group co-authoring. Check account type and public-account restrictions before relying on creation or advanced features.
Who it suits
It suits people and organizations that want to present maps or ArcGIS content as stories, briefings, or collections. Full creation capabilities are intended for Creator, Professional, or Professional Plus user types; other listed user types can view shared material.
Plans and prices
Public account
Free account for individuals; usage limits apply; some advanced features unavailable; content is not indexed by search engines
Read 2 Oct 2026 · doc.esri.com
On the record
- Accessibility
- The story builder supports WCAG 2.1 related features including semantic structure, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and alternative text.doc.arcgis.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Account requirements
- Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus user types provide full storytelling capabilities; Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker can view shared content but cannot create it.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Content formats
- It supports stories, slide-based briefings, mobile-first frames, collections, and reusable themes.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Credit usage
- Uploaded media and story data use ArcGIS Online file storage credits, and published content containing premium content can consume credits per view.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Enterprise deployment
- ArcGIS StoryMaps is included with ArcGIS Enterprise starting at version 10.8.1, and can be deployed in disconnected environments through ArcGIS Enterprise.doc.arcgis.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Included maps
- Stories can use existing ArcGIS web maps and scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated maps from ArcGIS Living Atlas.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Collections can bundle StoryMaps with ArcGIS content such as dashboards, instant apps, and Survey123 forms.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Esri was established in 1969 and is headquartered in Redlands, California, USA.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Maps and apps
- Authors can configure 2D web maps and 3D web scenes in the builder and embed ArcGIS apps created by organization members.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Public account limits
- Public accounts cannot use some advanced features, including web embeds, custom themes, templates, translated story links, analytics, and advanced embedding.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Publishing
- Changes are automatically saved, and edits to a published item can be republished when ready to make them visible.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security and privacy
- For the StoryMaps assistant, prompts are not used to train or improve Esri or third-party models and are not stored or shared without explicit permission.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Sharing and collaboration
- Published items can be shared with an organization, specific groups, or everyone, and organization members can co-author through groups.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- What it does
- ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for sharing maps, apps, and multimedia in narrative form.doc.esri.com · read 2 Oct 2026
