idea Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations in ArcGIS StoryMaps Ideas

Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations

BradGeorgic — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:44:20 GMT

We love the Map Tour in story maps, but we have sensitive data that we don't want shown at all scales. The point at the statewide scale is vague enough to protect the exact location. The Zoom In/Out function on the Map Tour map can't currently be turned off. It would be nice to have a toggle to turn off this function.

Re: Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations

NicoleJohnson — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:02:11 GMT

Unfortunately, not allowing the user to zoom in isn't sufficient to protect your data. Someone can look at the network traffic in their web browser's development tools and potentially get access from there (depending on how it's set up). This would only provide a very small roadblock.

I would obscure the actual points. You can shift them and provide some sort of disclaimer that the points are inexact to protect sensitive info.

Re: Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations

SaraJL — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:37:25 GMT

@BradGeorgic One way you could get around this - if you don't want to share the location but still share the information with the public - is add the slide to the list but don't add a location to it.

For example - add a new slide > include media/text in the slide > but don't use the "Add location" function

It will still share the information, users can still click on it and see the info - but it won't zoom anyone on the map because it doesn't have a location added. But it will still zoom to the other locations if you use the "Add location" function.

Although, I might recommend to add a note to the slide with something along the lines of "location not included for this information" just so users don't think that there is a tech issue with the map, or that it's duplicating the spot. I don't think it needs to be super long, but some people may bring it up if they notice it's not zooming into the map.

I hope that makes sense!

Re: Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations

JonathanMcD — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 02:58:08 GMT

@BradGeorgic

Rather than look at removing the zoom function which, to be honest, is not a good idea.

You do have a valid work-around solution for this, tho' it is currently in beta. If you use an existing feature layer, where you've set the visibility range in Visualisation for the layer, then add the feature layer as the tour, going to settings for the tour, there's a handy option to honour the feature layer style. This not only preserves the symbology, but also the visibility range too.

So, perhaps a little bit of work first off to create the feature layer with your points, then setup Visualisation, but after that it'll give you the behaviour you require.

Re: Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations

OwenGeo — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:35:55 GMT

Great suggestions @SaraJL and @JonathanMcD!

We are considering bringing over to map tour the same toggle that already exists for other maps that allows you to disable all navigation. If this happens, I agree with @NicoleJohnson that this should not be thought of as a "security feature" to obfuscate exact locations; it would be more for authors to tailor the experience for readers.

Re: Remove the zoom function on map in Map Tour to protect specific locations - Status changed to: Under Consideration

OwenGeo — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:36:04 GMT