Story Map Polygon Text Panels

RobertCox87 — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:28:17 GMT

I am trying to create a Story Map that displays a text panel and zooms to a feature whenever a polygon is clicked on, but I'm not sure which tools to use to set it up. There is too much text to use in call-out boxes, so I'm trying to display it off to the side with the sidecar layout. I have done this with the map-tour feature using points, but can't figure out how to do it with polygons. Any assistance is much appreciated!

Re: Story Map Polygon Text Panels

DanielFox1 — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:45:13 GMT

Hi @RobertCox87

You may have found solution for this question by now but I thought I would add this workflow if you still wish to try and see if it helps any further:

To zoom to a polygon and display a text panel when it’s clicked, you’ll want to use:

Sidecar Block
• This gives you the split layout: media (map) on one side, narrative (text) on the other.
• Each slide in the sidecar can focus on a different polygon.

Map Actions
• These allow you to zoom to a specific feature (polygon) when the user interacts with the narrative panel.
• You can configure the map to pan and zoom to a polygon and optionally toggle layers or pop-ups.

1. Prepare Your Web Map
• Add your polygon layer to a web map in ArcGIS Online.
• Make sure each polygon has a unique identifier or name in the attribute table.
• Set appropriate symbology and pop-up configuration.

2. Create a Story Map
• Open ArcGIS StoryMaps and start a new story.
• Add a Sidecar block (choose Docked or Floating layout depending on your preference).

3. Add Slides for Each Polygon
• For each polygon you want to highlight:
• Add a new slide.
• In the media panel, insert your web map.
• Use the map choreography tools to set the zoom extent to the polygon.
• In the narrative panel, add your detailed text.

4. Use Map Actions (Optional but Powerful)
• Highlight a word or phrase in your narrative panel.
• Click the lightning bolt icon to add a map action.
• Choose “Zoom to” and select the polygon’s location.
• You can also toggle layers or trigger pop-ups.

This allows users to click on text and have the map respond dynamically.

I hope this helps but if you found another method that works it would be great to hear what you have done.

topic Story Map Polygon Text Panels in ArcGIS Online Questions

Story Map Polygon Text Panels

Re: Story Map Polygon Text Panels