Why does ArcGIS StoryMaps look different than StoryMaps I’ve seen and used in the past?
In July 2019, Esri launched ArcGIS StoryMaps—a new, modern platform for telling stories with maps. This means the Esri community now has access to two storytelling tools:
- The new ArcGIS StoryMaps
- The classic Esri Story Maps templates
Esri’s classic storytelling templates include: Cascade, Journal, Series, Shortlist, Swipe & Spyglass, and Tour.
We want the Esri storytelling community to know that the classic templates are not going away. While they will be slowly phased out as we focus on the new platform, the stories you have created with classic templates will continue to work as they do today for a long time.
- Stories you’ve created with classic templates will continue to work for a very long time.
- You will still be able to create stories using the classic templates for a while.
- For an even longer while, you will be able to make changes to classic stories you’ve already created.
If you’re mostly making stories with our classic Cascade or Journal templates, you’re a good candidate to start using the new ArcGIS StoryMaps right away. These two storytelling experiences are already well represented in the new StoryMaps and you’re likely to find everything you need to tell your story there.
To summarize this timeline:
- Authors will still be able to create new stories with the classic templates for a full year after the initial release of ArcGIS StoryMaps, until July 2020.
- After July 2020, the classic templates will enter a two-year period of extended support. During this time, you’ll still be able to use the builder to edit classic stories you have already created, but won’t be able to create new stories with the classic templates.
- After July 2022, the classic templates will enter the mature support phase. At this time the builders will be fully disabled, but stories you’ve shared will continue to be accessible to you and your audience.
- After July 2024, the classic templates will be retired. However, this does not mean your stories will become unavailable. The classic stories you’ve made and shared will continue to be available after this date, but the classic templates will no longer receive anything but critical maintenance fixes.
Content in this section was adapted from “Moving to the New ArcGIS StoryMaps” (StoryMaps.ArcGIS.com)
But I like the classic templates and don’t see the same functionality in ArcGIS StoryMaps. And 2024 is years away. Why should I start using ArcGIS StoryMaps?
ArcGIS StoryMaps lets you bring together aspects of the classic themes in one builder environment. Plus ArcGIS StoryMaps are designed to be fully compatible with WCAG 2.0 accessibility guidelines. ArGIS StoryMaps includes mobile-friendly design options and allows unpublished changes. And eventually classic themes will no longer be getting routine maintenance and updates, which means content that exists in classic templates may no longer function or operate correctly.
