How to get started with StoryMap JS
StoryMap JS is an interactive story-mapping tool which allows annotation by using text, photos and videos.
StoryMap facilitates doing an expansive story that is spread across different parts of geography. The tool helps give the story some visual reference in the form of a dynamic map, on which stories can be pinned with their exact location.
Here's a guide on how to get started with StoryMap:
1. Type in 'http://storymap.knightlab.com/' in your browser's address bar.
2. Click the 'Create' link on the page.
3. The next window would ask for Google Drive authorization, if you are accessing it for the first time or you are not logged into your Gmail account.
4. A small window opens up which shows the list of StoryMaps saved in your account. If you are using it for the first time, click 'New'.
5. It then asks you to define the kind of story you would like to do with StoryMap. You get two options - Map or Gigapixel.
// TIP Map allows you to add information to a wide spread of the world map. Gigapixel lets you add context to an image, with individual elements marked in a photograph.
6. Click on 'Map'. Give it a name. I have titled my StoryMap 'The Riotous History of Uttar Pradesh
// TIP Don't go overboard with the title of your story. No poetic names. Stay as factually relevant as possible.
// TIP Attempt a story which has geographical significance apart from the information attached, and a trend can be mapped.
7. After providing a name, the next place is where the action begins.
8. This is your title slide. Introduce your topic to the reader. Input a suitable heading, along with a brief description of the information. You may add relevant media sources, with proper credit and captions in place to be used as a reference.
9. Then click add slide with the plus '+' icon on the left side.
10. A new slide would get created with a horizontal map on the top. This is the edit tab. Look for a white text box strip on the lower-center of the map. That's the place where you type in your location related to the story.
// TIP Clicking on the preview tab allows you to check the flow of the StoryMap as you step further while adding elements to your story.
11. Then fill in other relevant information such as 'Heading', body text, 'Media' along with it its credit and caption. Continue this step for as much information and places you would like to make it for.
// TIP Try to stay precise in your textual information.
// TIP The slide options on the bottom-right corenr allows you to add a photograph to the slide background. From here you may also choose another color instead of white as your slide background.
// TIP Proper credits should be mentioned for all the media sourced from anywhere. Caption should ideally explain the picture or the media used in context of the information in text.
12. After successfully adding all the relevant information. Click 'Save' and 'Publish Changes'.
// TIP Clicking Publish Changes after each edit is necessary otherwise newer editions may not reflect on the final StoryMap. If embedded anywhere, the StoryMap would also get updated after publishing changes.
13. To share the link of the project or to embed the anywhere, click on 'share' option on the top-right corner. A share-able link would appear, along with an embed code for the StoryMap. Adjust the height and width of the final output. Copy the code.
14. Paste the embed code in your blog, or share the link online. Your StoryMap is ready for the world to see.