Challenge Summary
Welcome to the Catholic Relief Services - ERIS Story Maps Challenge. ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) is an international supplier of Geographic Information System (GIS) software, web GIS and geo-database management applications. ESRI Story Maps represent a powerful new way to tell stories by combining online maps, intelligent web applications, text, multimedia and interactive functions.
In this challenge, you will be using ESRI Story Maps to create a map that illustrates resilience in East Africa. Please go through the details below to learn how to create a story map.
Background:
Telling compelling and meaningful stories is a critical part of the work of any international development organization. It is the lifeline that excites donors, draws people to the field, and renews those who have already devoted themselves to bettering the lives of people around the world.
ESRI Story Maps represent a powerful new way to tell stories by combining online maps, intelligent web applications, text, multimedia and interactive functions. Story maps are also highly accessible, allowing individuals from diverse background to develop and create stories that speak specifically and meaningfully to their particular audience.
Challenge:
The Purpose of this challenge is to create a story map that illustrates the "resilence in East Africa".
Resilience: A household or community’s ability to anticipate, prepare, absorb, manage and recover from shock or stress.
What is a Story Map and a Few Examples:
Story maps are interactive maps combined with text and other content to tell a story about the world. Typically story maps are designed for non-technical audiences; thus, story maps include all the elements required to tell a story: web maps or map services, text, and multimedia content.
Examples:
Please go through the below examples to get better idea about the story maps
- http://storymaps.esri.com/home/
- http://storymaps.esri.com/partnerstories/
- http://storymaps.arcgis.com/en/gallery/map-of-story-maps/
- http://storymaps.arcgis.com/en/gallery
ArcGIS Account:
In order to create maps, you will need an account with ArcGIS..
- Please visit this website: http://www.arcgis.com/features/free-trial.html
- Once Signed up, you will be able to start creating the maps.
Story Map Theme and Requirements:
The theme for this challenge is "Resilience in East Africa"
(Resilience: A household or community’s ability to anticipate, prepare, absorb, manage and recover from shock or stress.)
- Telling compelling and meaningful stories is a critical part of the work of any international development organization.
- It is the lifeline that excites donors, draws people to the field, and renews those who have already devoted themselves to bettering the lives of people around the world.
- Try to represent a powerful new way to tell stories with ESRI Story Maps by combining online maps, intelligent web applications, text, multimedia and interactive functions.
Guidance on Creating Story Maps:
- Identify a story you want to tell
- Develop a story board
- Identify data sources
- Create and share map
1) Develop a Story Board based on the above theme:
- The first step in the process is to figure out what you are trying to say.
- What story do you want to communicate with your map and what is your purpose or goal in telling that story?
- Who is the audience?
- The answers to these questions should affect most other decisions you make in the process.
- Once you decide the story, think on what elements you need to tell this story.
- Do you need historical data or imagery for purposes of comparison? What potential map themes will help make your point?
2) Identify Data Sources:
- The next step is to gather the datasets that you will need to tell your story.
- There are many potential sources for data such as: Map services and web maps on ArcGIS Online, Downloadable data on ArcGIS Online, Your own organization’s data or map services Federal, state, or local government data (e.g., data.gov, Washington, DC’s data Catalog, etc.), Data from third-party or commercial providers, Self-created spreadsheets or CSVs, Photos and other multimedia content from various sources
- Download and assemble the data you think you will need and organize them in a folder on your computer.
3) Create a Web Map:
- Choose a Basemap (Toppographic, national geographic, light grey canvas, streets, Imagery, Oceans) for your story.
- Assemble the map with the data sources
- Refine Maps, Configure Pop-ups, Adjust Symbols for any points data.
- Save your map.
4) Share and Publish Map:
- ArcGIS Online provides many different sharing options for web maps; please share your web map publicly (i.e., chose the “Share with everyone (public)” option) so anyone can see it.
- Publish the maps by embedding with HTML (you can use the available app template)
Training and Resources:
To help you get started, please use the below training and help materials/videos to learn more on how to create ESRI Story Maps...
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/
http://doc.arcgis.com/en/maps-for-office/
http://video.arcgis.com/series/18/arcgis-online/
http://video.arcgis.com/series/143/esri-maps-for-office/
http://training.esri.com/gateway/index.cfm?fa=main.arcgisonlinetraining (for specific courses below)
- Creating a Web Application Using ArcGIS Online
- ArcGIS Online Subscription: Mapping and GIS for Organizations
- ESRI Maps for Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and IBM Cognos
- Create Enhanced Information Products with ESRI Maps for Office
Target Audience:
- All Users who views the story maps
Judging Criteria:
Submissions will be assessed against the following five criteria:
- Story - Does it tell a compelling story?
- Aesthetics - Is it visually appealing, engaging and professional?
- Data - Is the data accurate and relevant? (additional points given for original data)
- Relevance - Is it regionally and topically relevant? (East Africa and resilience)
- ICT4D - Does it discuss ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) and resilience?
Submission & Source Files:
Preview Image
Create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024 JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File
Please upload a text document (doc/docx, txt, pdf..etc.) with a link to the map which you created online.
Source Files
Similar to Submission file. If you have created any custom HTML with graphics for publishing your maps, then please attach the design source (PSD/AI) files as well.
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your map data etc...
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.