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Hope Library Guides

Storymap by Knightlab: Home

This guide provides information about getting started with Storymap and using this free tool for research and research dissemination.

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial page for learning about Knightlab's Storymap digital tool -- a digital mapping project useful for map research and the dissemination of visual projects.  To get started, check out the getting started documentation or the video below on this page.  It is also recommended to check out example projects before you begin with your own.

 

Check out Knightlab's example page here!

Getting Started with Storymap

1) Navigate in any browser to storymap.knightlab.com

2) Click the green button “Make a Storymap” (shown in the image below)

Make a story map button from storymap.knightlab.com

3) You will be asked to log in with your google account (shown in the image below). Any google email account will work, including your Hope college email.

This image is of the login with your google account image from storymap.

4) If you’ve created a storymap before, the tool will allow you to choose previously created storymaps or create a new one.

  1. For this tutorial, we will choose “New.”

5) Next, name the new storymap project.  The next screen will prompt you to name the project.

6) You should now be in the edit screen for your storymap project. 

  1. Options: Located in the upper left hand corner.  This option changes the storymap size, sharing options, language, fonts, map options, and the call to action language.
  2. Save: The save button is located in the upper left hand corner and will save the project at any time.
  3. Preview: The preview button is located in the upper middle.  This allows for a preview of what the “live” project will look like.
  4. Add Slide: The Add slide button is located on the left side.  This allows the creator to create more points for the map with additional information about the object.
  5. Media Box: The Media Box is located in the lower left side.  This box has the location for adding a URL, uploading an image, adding credit, and a caption.
  6. Headline Box: The headline box is located in the lower left hand corner.  This box allows for creating the caption for each slide—including the headline (or title) and additional content.
  7. Search Box: The search box is located in the lower middle of the map.  This search box allows you to search for addresses to change the slide points.  This can also be done by dragging the point on each slide to the intended geographical location.

How to Use Storymap Video

Tips and Tricks

Here are a couple of tips and tricks for creating a great storymap!

  • Create an outline before you begin creating your project! This is helpful for creating continuity between your points and tell your story more effectively.
  • Think about your first slide as a title slide.  Include a picture that is representative of the entire project and a headline and body paragraph that explain the story to your reader.
  • Ensure that the media you link to or upload is legally able to use! Check out our libguide on creative commons licenses and copyright law for more information!

Digital Liberal Arts Specialist

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Victoria Longfield
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Contact:
323 - 2nd floor
Van Wylen Library
616-395-7013

Storymap Overview