What is a StoryMap and how are we using it?
During my time at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, I used ArcGIS StoryMaps as a way to pull back the curtain on the process of marine mammal research, specifically, the elusive world of beaked whales and the acoustic tools we use to study them. We wanted to do more than present data; we wanted to tell a story. A story of deep-sea expeditions, unexpected challenges, and what the science behind the scenes looks like while studying whales in the dark. https://arcg.is/0HWfPW2
Now, at The Seabirds Foundation, our expeditions tell stories and we’re bringing those stories to life through ArcGIS StoryMaps. ArcGIS StoryMaps are interactive storytelling tools that combine maps, data, images, and narrative text into one easy to follow and visually engaging experience. With StoryMaps, we will be able to display information and show where we’ve been, what we have seen, and what we have learned.
For each expedition, a Seabirds team member put together a personalized StoryMap, documenting the journey through their own words, with photos, videos, hydrophone recordings, and geospatial data all scattered throughout! What makes these stories so special is that they don’t just capture our personal experiences, but they will also be able to highlight the scientific data collected at these locations such as species sighted, sounds we’ve collected, and environmental conditions!
It is important to create an accessible and dynamic way for the public and our communities of ocean stewards to engage with our findings, they will also serve as a living archive! As the years and expeditions go on, we will be able to compare StoryMaps from repeated trips to the same location. This will help us visualize change over time, spotting patterns, noticing anomalies, and tracking impact.
StoryMaps creates such a powerful platform for citizen science and our overall goal with this ongoing project is to make science easily accessible, easy to follow, all while telling the story of the Seabirds and connecting everyone to the ocean.
