How to Add Sounds to a Story Map Shortlist?

[LangElliott]

I would like to add sound files to the text field descriptions for a Story Map Shortlist, to create as "Sound Map". Is there a way to do this easily that will allow for new points (and corresponding sound files) to be added over time?

[MaryPetkovsek1]

Lang Elliott have a story map using the "Tour" template, and I wanted to rebuild and add points to that story map in the shortlist template. I was able to import that points from the old map, and they kept the links and audio controls. However, I could not move any of the points to different tabs or add audio files to new points. I've been told that the shortlist format is not designed to support audio, video, or any other HTML tags. This is disappointing. I'm hoping that I can build a Tour story map for each tab that I would like to have in a shortlist, then import the points from each Tour to a tab in the shortlist. I have not tried this yet, so I do not know if it will work.

[Amanda__Huber]

Hi Lang Elliott‌, 

Yes this is possible, we actually just launched two shortlist story maps with this functionality!

Here are links to our final products: https://arcg.is/nWW9and  https://arcg.is/1X8Hbu

To do this you have to write a little HTML but it's an easy update process (csv drag-drop to web map to update). Just download the Shortlist  spreadsheet template. 

More info in Rupert's response here: https://community.esri.com/ideas/15730-shortlist-story-map-customize-labelling-descriptions 

Here's the HTML you'll need: 

Happy Mapping! 

- Amanda

[MaryPetkovsek1]

Amanda Huber, I'm SO excited to see your reply! I'm going to study your links and maps and see if I can figure out how to use it for my story map! Thanks so much for posting an answer! 

[Amanda__Huber]

Of course   I would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Happy Mapping, 

Amanda

[LangElliott]

A new question: Might it be possible to include an iframe link for SoundCloud audio files? Or is <iframe> not supported?

One problem I just noticed with the current system, using the <audio> tag, is that sound files keep playing when a description window is closed (unless the user hits the pause button first, or else the sound files has finished playing). This will be annoying because a user may click a new map point and forget the number/location of the previous point. Thus, the user will not be able to back-track to switch the sound off. This will be particularly problematic for sound files that are over a minute long ... they will just keep playing in the background, even if the user starts playing a new sound file. At that point, the user will probably exit the Story Map altogether, being annoyed by the overlapping of sounds.

[Amanda__Huber]

Lang Elliott‌, 

I completely agree that's a usability pain-point we also face.  Unfortunately I have not been able to find a way to control the sounds when switching locations, but fingers crossed that Esri Story Maps‌ might see this and maybe create a solution (?)

Glad to hear you were able to add sound to your example! It definitely takes story mapping to a whole new level of sensory engagement!

Best, 

Amanda

[LangElliott]

Here's a working example using iframe code to embed SoundCloud files: https://arcg.is/1qnKu4 

[LangElliott]

OMG! This is incredible because the Story Map Shortlist template provides a very easy way to create maps that include adequate descriptions for each map site. Once the word gets out, I think there will be a flood of soundscape recording artists making good use of this template.