Tell Your Story
Across the Map

Getting Started

Story-Map.online is a free tool for creating interactive story maps. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Creating Your First Map

• Sign in with your Google account or try the demo mode
• Add locations using the search bar in the sidebar
• Customize pins by selecting from emoji pins or uploading your own (64×64px PNG recommended)
• Add content to each location: titles, paragraphs, images, videos, or custom HTML

Map Styles

Choose from 12 different map styles:

• Streets - Default OpenStreetMap style
• Satellite - Aerial imagery from ESRI
• Dark / Light - Modern minimal styles
• Terrain - Topographic map with elevation
• And more... - Voyager, Positron, Humanitarian, etc.

Content Blocks

Each story point can contain multiple content blocks:

• Title - Headings for sections
• Paragraph - Body text for your story
• Image - Add images via URL with optional captions
• Video - Embed YouTube or Vimeo videos
• HTML - Custom HTML for advanced users
• Button - Call-to-action buttons with links

Publishing & Sharing

• Save - Your map is auto-saved, but you can also manually save
• Publish - Makes your map publicly accessible
• Share - Get a public link or embed code for your website

Quick Start Guide

Follow these steps to create your first story map in under 5 minutes:

Step 1: Create an Account

Click "Get Started Free" and sign in with Google. Your maps will be saved to your account automatically.

Step 2: Add Your First Location

• In the sidebar, find the "Add Location" section
• Type a place name (e.g., "Eiffel Tower, Paris")
• Click on a search result to add it to your map

Step 3: Add Content

• Click on a story point to open the editor panel
• Add a compelling title for this location
• Use content blocks to add text, images, or videos
• Tell the story of why this place matters

Step 4: Customize Your Map

• Theme: Choose colors that match your brand
• Logo: Upload your organization's logo
• Map Style: Pick from satellite, terrain, dark mode, etc.
• Journey Lines: Show the path between locations

Step 5: Set Up Entry & Exit Screens

• Customize the welcome screen with a title and description
• Set up an end screen to thank viewers or include a call-to-action
• Enable social sharing buttons

Step 6: Preview & Publish

• Click "Preview" to see your map as visitors will see it
• Test the navigation between story points
• When ready, click "Publish" to make it public
• Share the link or embed code!

Story Map Ideas

Here are some inspiring ways to use Story-Map.online:

🏥 NGO Impact Report

Show where your organization has made a difference. Map your projects across regions, include photos of your work, and share impact statistics at each location.

• Add locations for each project site
• Include before/after images
• Share beneficiary stories
• Add donation call-to-action buttons

✈️ Travel Blog

Document your adventures with an interactive journey. Perfect for sharing with friends and family.

• Map your route chronologically
• Add photos and videos from each stop
• Include restaurant and hotel recommendations
• Share travel tips and costs

📚 Historical Timeline

Teach history by mapping events across locations. Great for educators and students.

• Map key historical events
• Add historical photos and documents
• Include YouTube documentaries
• Link to additional resources

🌱 Environmental Project

Visualize environmental data and conservation efforts across regions.

• Map wildlife habitats or migration patterns
• Show reforestation project sites
• Document pollution sources
• Track climate change impacts

🏠 Real Estate Tours

Create virtual neighborhood tours highlighting local amenities.

• Map nearby schools, parks, restaurants
• Add photos and descriptions
• Include walking distances
• Embed property videos

Embed Your Story Map

Once published, you can embed your story map on any website using an iframe:

<iframe 
  src="https://story-map.online/view/YOUR_MAP_ID" 
  width="100%" 
  height="600" 
  frameborder="0"
></iframe>

Responsive Embed

For a responsive embed that works on all devices:

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;">
  <iframe 
    src="https://story-map.online/view/YOUR_MAP_ID" 
    style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" 
    frameborder="0"
  ></iframe>
</div>

Public API

We're working on a public API that will allow you to:

• Create and update maps programmatically
• Fetch map data in JSON format
• Integrate with your existing systems
• Automate map generation from data sources

WordPress Integration

To embed in WordPress, simply paste the iframe code into a Custom HTML block in the Gutenberg editor.

Need Help?

For technical questions or API feature requests, email us at hello@techtoolsforgood.com

Last updated: January 2025

Introduction

Story-Map.online ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

Information We Collect

Account Information: When you sign in with Google, we receive:

• Your name and email address
• Profile picture (optional)
• Google account ID (for authentication)

Content You Create:

• Story maps and their content (locations, text, images)
• Custom pins and logos you upload
• Map settings and preferences

Usage Data:

• Pages visited and features used
• Browser type and device information
• IP address (anonymized)

How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain the service
• To save and sync your story maps
• To improve our service
• To communicate with you about updates

Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely on servers located in the European Union. We use industry-standard encryption for data in transit (HTTPS) and at rest.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data only:

• When you publish a map (public maps are viewable by anyone with the link)
• With service providers who help us operate the platform
• If required by law

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Delete your account and all associated data
• Export your story maps
• Opt out of non-essential communications

Cookies

We use essential cookies for authentication and session management. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising.

Contact Us

For privacy questions or data requests, contact us at: hello@techtoolsforgood.com

Last updated: January 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Story-Map.online, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the service.

2. Description of Service

Story-Map.online is a free tool for creating interactive story maps. We provide the platform; you provide the content.

3. User Accounts

• You must provide accurate information when creating an account
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account
• You must be at least 13 years old to use the service
• One person or organization may not maintain multiple accounts

4. User Content

You retain ownership of all content you create. By using our service, you grant us a license to host, display, and distribute your public story maps.

You agree not to upload content that:

• Infringes on intellectual property rights
• Is illegal, harmful, or offensive
• Contains malware or malicious code
• Violates anyone's privacy
• Promotes violence or discrimination

5. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Use the service for any illegal purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access
• Interfere with the service's operation
• Scrape or collect data without permission
• Use automated systems to abuse the service

6. Service Availability

We strive for high availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted service. We may modify or discontinue features with reasonable notice.

7. Intellectual Property

The Story-Map.online platform, design, and code are owned by TechToolsForGood. You may not copy, modify, or distribute our platform without permission.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

The service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that the service will meet your requirements or be error-free.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, TechToolsForGood shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service.

10. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account for violations of these terms. You may delete your account at any time.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

12. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact us at: hello@techtoolsforgood.com