Create a Geographic StoryMap Project
Apply your spatial thinking and storytelling skills to create a professional-quality StoryMap that communicates geographic knowledge on a topic you care about.
The Geographic Challenge
Create a professional-quality StoryMap that tells a spatial story addressing a real geographic question, issue, or phenomenon relevant to your studies, research, or interests.
This project allows you to demonstrate geographic thinking - the ability to ask questions about place, analyze spatial patterns, integrate multiple sources of geographic information, and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
- Clear geographic question or focus (what spatial phenomenon are you exploring?)
- Integration of maps that reveal spatial patterns or relationships
- Use of geographic data, evidence, and sources
- Narrative that connects place to broader geographic concepts
- Consideration of multiple perspectives and scales
- Responsible and ethical representation of places and people
Geographic Project Ideas
Choose a topic that excites you. Each project below centers on a geographic question or spatial phenomenon:
Environmental & Physical Geography
Geographic Focus: How natural systems and human activities shape landscapes
- Local watershed health and water quality mapping
- Urban heat islands and temperature inequality
- Invasive species spread patterns and ecological impacts
- Climate change impacts on a specific region or ecosystem
- Natural disaster risk assessment and resilience
- Biodiversity hotspots and conservation priorities
Urban & Economic Geography
Geographic Focus: How cities develop and economic activities distribute across space
- Neighborhood walkability analysis and urban design
- Gentrification patterns and housing affordability
- Food deserts and nutritional equity mapping
- Public transit accessibility and mobility justice
- Economic inequality and neighborhood characteristics
- Urban redevelopment and community impact
Historical & Cultural Geography
Geographic Focus: How history, culture, and place intersect to create unique landscapes
- Civil rights movement locations and spatial histories
- Migration patterns and diaspora communities
- Archaeological sites and cultural heritage preservation
- Indigenous land histories and territorial sovereignty
- Cultural district documentation and community identity
- Oral history and place-based memory mapping
Health & Social Geography
Geographic Focus: How location affects health, wellbeing, and social equity
- Healthcare access disparities and provider distribution
- Environmental health hazards and vulnerable populations
- Disease patterns and epidemiological mapping
- Mental health resources and social support networks
- Air and water quality impacts on health
- Food security and nutritional health geography
Agricultural & Resource Geography
Geographic Focus: How food systems and natural resources are distributed and managed
- Farm-to-table supply chains and food networks
- Land use changes and agricultural pressures
- Local and regional food systems mapping
- Water resources and irrigation patterns
- Sustainable and traditional farming practices
- Conflicts over land and resource access
Arts, Culture & Creative Geography
Geographic Focus: How place inspires creativity and cultural expression
- Street art/mural mapping and urban creativity documentation
- Music scene geography and venue distribution
- Film location exploration and cinematic geography
- Architectural styles and building history across neighborhoods
- Festival mapping and cultural event geography
- Literary geography and author-place connections
Global & Political Geography
Geographic Focus: How power, politics, and international systems shape space
- Geopolitical conflict zones and territorial disputes
- International development and inequality patterns
- Border regions and transnational communities
- Climate migration and displacement impacts
- International trade networks and supply chains
- Global cultural diffusion and glocal adaptation
Tourism & Recreation Geography
Geographic Focus: How people visit, experience, and impact leisure destinations
- Ecotourism sustainability and environmental impacts
- National Park and protected area management
- Heritage tourism routes and cultural sites
- Economic impact of festivals and major events
- Destination branding and place marketing
- Accessible tourism and inclusive recreation
Challenge Requirements
Your StoryMap should demonstrate geographic thinking and professional storytelling. Here's what we're looking for:
Essential Geographic Elements
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Clear Geographic Focus
Identify the specific geographic question, phenomenon, or place you're exploring
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Spatial Data & Maps
Embed at least one interactive map that shows key geographic information
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Geographic Context
Help readers understand the location, scale, and spatial relationships
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Evidence & Sources
Use geographic data, visuals, or information to support your story
Must Include
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Professional Cover
High-quality image, compelling title that frames your geographic focus, and clear subtitle
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Engaging Introduction
Sets geographic context, explains why this place/topic matters, previews your findings
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Interactive Map(s)
Express Map or Web Map with annotations, multiple locations, or layered geographic information
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Multiple Content Sections
At least 3-4 sections blending text, images, and maps to reveal geographic insights
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One Immersive Section
Sidecar (with Map Actions), Slideshow, or Map Tour showing spatial progression
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Thoughtful Conclusion
Summarize geographic findings, reflect on implications, and suggest next steps for engagement
Storytelling & Design Excellence
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Thoughtfully Chosen Theme
Colors and design reinforce your geographic story and brand
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Accessibility Features
Alt text on all images, good color contrast, descriptive map labels
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Mobile Optimization
Preview and test on phone; ensure maps and text are legible
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Cited Sources & Links
References to data sources, geographic databases, or related resources
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Ethical Representation
Responsible language and respectful portrayal of places and communities
Advanced Geographic Features
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Custom Web Map
Create a multi-layer map in ArcGIS Online showing your geographic data
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Map Tour from Real Data
Import point data from ArcGIS Online or Living Atlas for interactive tour
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Guided Map Navigation
Use Sidecar with Map Actions to auto-zoom to different locations as readers scroll
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Multimedia Integration
Embed video (self-recorded or YouTube) to show places or explain geographic processes
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Audio Narration
Record audio explaining your geographic insights to enhance accessibility
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Media Galleries
Use filmstrip or comparison layouts to showcase geographic variation
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Annotated Maps
Use Express Map tools: arrows, text labels, numbered points for detailed analysis
Plan Your Story
Use this template to plan your StoryMap before you start building:
1. Define Your Story
2. Gather Your Assets
3. Outline Your Structure
If you embed maps or other content from ArcGIS Online, make sure their sharing level matches your StoryMap. If your story is Public, all embedded content must also be Public—otherwise viewers won't see it!
Evaluation Criteria
Your StoryMap will be evaluated on these dimensions:
Content Quality
30%Is the information accurate, well-researched, and clearly communicated? Does it tell a compelling story?
Map Integration
25%Are maps used effectively to support the narrative? Do they add value beyond what text alone could convey?
Visual Design
20%Is the design cohesive and professional? Are images high-quality and properly sized?
User Experience
15%Is the story easy to follow? Does it work well on different devices? Is navigation intuitive?
Technical Execution
10%Are all features working correctly? No broken links, images, or map errors?
Need Inspiration?
Explore these award-winning StoryMaps for ideas:
StoryMaps Competition Winners
Annual collection of award-winning student StoryMaps
Explore Collection →ESRI Featured Stories
Professionally crafted StoryMaps from ESRI's team
Browse Stories →StoryMaps Style Guide
Best practices for design and content
Read Guide →Living Atlas Layer
Find authoritative data and maps to power your story
Explore Data →📤 Submitting Your Challenge
Publish Your Story
Set sharing to "Everyone (public)" so it can be viewed
Copy the URL
Get your StoryMap's public link from the share options
Submit
Share your link through your course's submission system