Sharing Data through Story Maps
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04-28-2016 11:59 PM
by
JosephKerski
Many methods of sharing mapped data are now available and easy to use. Using these methods can foster critical and spatial thinking by engaging the ArcGIS platform. We have written about a variety of ways to share mapped data in this blog. One method is to create a spreadsheet, publish it to ArcGIS Online, and making it editable in the field to enable you... to do citizen science-based mapping. Another idea we wrote about is to crowdsource your photographs that can be used in multimedia maps. We have also written about the many ways that you and your students can map their field data. With increasing interest in story maps, how can data from more than one student be shown in a story map?
Several methods exist for educators and students to create data in the field or in the classroom and map it via a story map, with more on the way. One way is to create a map in ArcGIS Online that includes an editable feature service, as shown in this example where I invite educators to map tree species on their campuses. You can then create a story map, such as the one shown below. Here, I chose the "basic story map" when I shared my map to a web mapping application. The story map updates each time tree data is added. Data can be added in the field using the Collector for ArcGIS app if the map has been shared with a group and the user has been invited to that group. Data can also be added via a web browser on a laptop or tablet computer, and if the map has been shared publicly, with no log in required.
While you cannot have multiple editors work on a single story map, one method for instruction is to designate a person in your class whose ArcGIS Online account keeps the "master" story map. Other students develop content in ArcGIS Desktop, Pro, or Online that they upload and share that content with their peers within their Group in ArcGIS Online. Then, the person responsible for the master map searches for that content and adds it to their ArcGIS Online map. The story map, as in the example I show below, automatically updates because it is pointing to the original editable map.
I mentioned above that "more methods are on the way." These include the upcoming crowdsourcing story map application, so keep an eye on this blog for further updates.
Several methods exist for educators and students to create data in the field or in the classroom and map it via a story map, with more on the way. One way is to create a map in ArcGIS Online that includes an editable feature service, as shown in this example where I invite educators to map tree species on their campuses. You can then create a story map, such as the one shown below. Here, I chose the "basic story map" when I shared my map to a web mapping application. The story map updates each time tree data is added. Data can be added in the field using the Collector for ArcGIS app if the map has been shared with a group and the user has been invited to that group. Data can also be added via a web browser on a laptop or tablet computer, and if the map has been shared publicly, with no log in required.
While you cannot have multiple editors work on a single story map, one method for instruction is to designate a person in your class whose ArcGIS Online account keeps the "master" story map. Other students develop content in ArcGIS Desktop, Pro, or Online that they upload and share that content with their peers within their Group in ArcGIS Online. Then, the person responsible for the master map searches for that content and adds it to their ArcGIS Online map. The story map, as in the example I show below, automatically updates because it is pointing to the original editable map.
I mentioned above that "more methods are on the way." These include the upcoming crowdsourcing story map application, so keep an eye on this blog for further updates.
Crowdsourced Tree Mapping Project in a Story Map.