Return to default extent in Story Map Journal section

[BonnieWeller]

I would like to do two things

1. Click on a link that changes the main stage content back to the original map and the original extent

2. Have the main stage content reset to the original extent after leaving the section it resides in.

Right now it returns to the last extent viewed.

Can this be done, and if so, how?

Many thanks

[OwenGeo]

Hi Bonnie,

1. Looks like you've encountered a bug in story actions that prevents you from creating an action to reset the map extent. We'll try to get that fixed in an upcoming release, but in the meantime you can either direct your readers to use the HOME button (between the + and - zoom buttons) to return to the original map extent or set up a second story action to return to a custom extent very similar to your map's original extent (i.e., when configuring the action, use the HOME button to return to the original extent then pan the map a bit in any direction before saving the action).

2. Unfortunately, that is not possible. Could you please let me know why you would like to reset the map extent when readers browse away from a section so we can consider your request when planning features we add in future releases? It also would be helpful to submit your idea to ArcGIS Ideas so others can up-vote it if they would also find it useful.

Owen

[BonnieWeller]

I would like to reset the extent after scrolling away from the section because the section header contains an overview map of areas that the user can zoom to for a closer look. This is accomplished by clicking on links that zoom to these areas. When the user leaves the section, I would like it to reset the section back to the overview of all the areas.

Also, is it possible to allow the user to change the basemap on the fly? Ie. Let them see the area in either the imagery, streets, or topographic as its basemap background.? I saw it on one of the story map examples but neglected to bookmark the page.

Thanks.

[OwenGeo · Accepted solution]

Bonnie,

Ah, ok -- you could simulate that by embedding a map using the simple embed app URL that's shown when you share a web map (rather than browsing and picking a map as you normally would). Just replace the webmapID in the URL with the ID of your web map and in your Map Journal section configuration make sure the "Unload this content when the reader navigates away" option is ON. Whenever someone goes to another section and then back to that section that app will reload and give you the original extent.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Embed/index.html?webmap=272b375db27d494e9decb5f75fe5db81&disable_scroll=... 

You can allow someone to change the basemap by using one of the other configurable app templates (like Basic Viewer or Web AppBuilder) to create an app that has a basemap picker and then embedding that app in your story map. Just make sure to 1) use an https link when for the app when you paste the URL into your Map Journal, and 2) share the app and the map and layers in it the same as your story map. If you don't people may not be able to see all of your story.

Also, be sure that your audience will truly appreciate being able to change the basemap on their own and won't be confused by the options. Often if you are creating a story for a general audience it can be better to simply create a main stage action that switches the basemap for them in the context of the story rather than require them to figure out how/where the basemap switcher works/is.

Owen