GIS: StoryMaps and Apps

Taught by: Georgianna Hupp

Web GIS applications are one of the most powerful ways of conveying information to a broad audience. For example, StoryMaps are a practical and popular method to communicate maps and connect map makers with end-users. Students who become adept at story mapping are often valued in state and local government, for informing citizens and showcasing maps that explain the benefits of policy initiatives. Businesses and non-profit organizations use StoryMaps for outreach to customers and constituents. GIS practitioners share their maps so that others can use the maps in their professional work, in policy, environmental studies, decision support, or for communicating research findings. 

Students will learn to combine spatial data with narrative text, photos, video, and audio media that provide context and “curation” for their web-maps. This course will teach students how to enhance their web maps so that the end-user can turn layers off and on, swipe layers for comparison, and generate charts and other exhibits from the underlying spatial layers. These and other interactive tools invite end-users to explore the web map and related content at their own pace – and on any device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) and immerse themselves in the map’s content and meaning.

This course will introduce web-apps for exploring statistical content of geographic data, and interactive dashboards. Students will build on their GIS skills and knowledge by learning new and more sophisticated ArcGIS Online tools and functionality, such as swipe, pop-ups, and time sliders, that help users explore the map content interactively. This class will focus on the production of StoryMaps with integration of Esri web applications such as Dashboards, Insights, Community and Business Analyst, and Experience Builder.

This is one of four secondary offerings that comprise the undergraduate Geographic Information Systems Certificate at Evergreen. Students must complete GIS: Introduction and Principles and/or GIS and Mapping in Excel in the fall before taking this course.