Exhibit Platform Types
Story mapping platforms combine geography and narrative, allowing users to tell compelling stories with maps, images, text, and multimedia. Whether you're visualizing historical events, environmental changes, or personal journeys, these tools help bring stories to life in an interactive way.
ArcGIS StoryMaps
A powerful tool for creating immersive, interactive map-based stories with multimedia integration. Best for projects requiring detailed spatial storytelling and institutional GIS resources.
Features:
- Interactive Mapping: customize and embed various map styles
- Multimedia Integration: add images, videos, and audio to enhance storytelling
- Templates and Themes: use pre-built layouts or customize designs
- Institutional Access: USU offers ArcGIS Pro for anyone with an A number
Examples:
Tutorials:
Official ArcGIS StoryMaps Guide: A step-by-step guide on how to create, edit, and publish your first StoryMap.
Collective Access
A metadata-rich platform designed for managing and displaying digital collections. Best for structured archival exhibits and scholarly digital curation.
Features:
- Strong Metadata Support: manage and display structured digital collections
- Customizable Database: tailor exhibits with detailed taxonomies and object records
- Advanced Search and Filtering: users can explore archives with in-depth search tools
- Not Map-Centric: more focused on archival digital curation rather than interactive storytelling
Examples:
Tutorials:
Getting Started: What you will need to download in order to get started with Collective Access.
Setup and Use: A user guide and setup instructions.
Website builders provide an intuitive way to design and showcase research, projects, and multimedia storytelling. These platforms allow for flexibility in layout and design while remaining user-friendly.
Wix
A visually dynamic and customizable website builder that's easy to use, making it great for interactive exhibits, portfolios, and student research projects.
Features:
- Highly Customizable: drag-and-drop editor with advanced design flexibility
- Multimedia Support: easily embed videos, galleries, audio, and animations
- Templates and Themes: professionally designed templates with modern aesthetics
- No Coding Required: ideal for beginners who want complete control over design
Examples:
Tutorials:
Wix Tutorial Video Library: Official Wix support to setting up a website
Weebly
A simple drag-and-drop website builder perfect for beginners. Ideal for smaller digital exhibits and personal projects that need a clean, structured presentation.
Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Builder: easy setup with structured, grid-based design
- Multimedia Support: add images, slideshows, and simple interactive elements
- Mobile Optimization: automatically adjusts layouts for mobile devices
- Lower Learning Curve: easier to use than Wix, but with fewer customization options
Examples:
Tutorials:
Weebly Help Guide: Official support articles and guides for setting up a Weebly site
Beyond digital platforms, these additional tools can help refine and enhance digital projects. Whether you're working with data visualization, cleaning messy datasets, or exploring more options for digital storytelling and website creation, these resources provide useful support for your work.
Image Finders:
Tools for finding openly licensed, free to use media in digital exhibits.
- OpenverseMillions of works using open licenses
- Wikimedia CommonsMillions of public domain and Creative Commons-licensed images, many with historical and cultural significance
Data Visualization Tools:
Create compelling visual representations of your data with these user-friendly platforms.
- DatawrapperA web-based tool for creating simple charts, maps, and tables without needing coding skills.
- Google ChartsA free tool for creating interactive charts and data-driven visuals using HTML5/SVG technology.
- Tableau PublicA free version of Tableau that allows users to create and share interactive data visualizations online.
- VoyantA web-based text analysis tool that helps users visualize and analyze text data through various interactive features.
Additional Exhibit Creation Tools:
More platforms that can be used to create portfolios and exhibits to showcase your work.
- Knight Lab Storytelling ToolsA collection of free tools designed for journalists and storytellers to create interactive stories with maps, timelines, and more.
- TrelloA project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help organize tasks and collaborate on projects.
