Setting for a map in StoryMaps to be active by default?

twilliamson_topv

My municipality had a previous StoryMap using Esri StoryMaps to showcase pavement maintenance efforts.

I have recreated this StoryMap in the ArcGIS StoryMaps and it looks like the maps need to be maximized to navigate them. Is there any setting to make them react to the cursor placement to scroll by default? I see the setting to lock map navigation, but I certainly don't want to do that.

Basically I don't want our users to have to click a maximize button to navigate the map, and then need to close the map to continue with the story. I have shared a screenshot as well. 

I have tried changing the sidecar layout, but even when using Floating, it prioritizes scrolling on the text elements, and not the map. 

Thanks in advance. 

pvstorymapmaintenance.png

CommunityMapsEsriColombia_0-1740000013945.png

oevans_storymaps

@twilliamson_topv - Thanks for sharing your question here on the community. Maps are navigable before maximizing unless you lock them (with that setting you mentioned).

However, scroll wheel zoom is disabled because stories are scrolling pages and having a map that can be zoomed by scrolling may cause your readers to inadvertently navigate the map while they are scrolling the story. The +/- buttons (visible in your screenshot) can be used to zoom the map and the map can be dragged by clicking, holding, and dragging with the mouse.

I hope that helps explain things. Let us know if you have more questions.