2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition

The competition will open on September 10, 2025

Cohosted by Esri’s ArcGIS StoryMaps and ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World teams

Explore the announcement story
Abstract image of a young man, scientific data in hexagons, and blue geometric elements

Global storytelling competition

Esri is pleased to announce the 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition.

  • Take a geographic approach

    Our greatest challenges—including climate change, sustainability, and social and economic inequality—are interrelated and inherently tied to geography. GIS tools help us understand those challenges and communicate solutions through place-based stories.

  • Tell stories with maps

    Maps are an integral part of storytelling—a story can effect change, influence opinion, and create awareness. ArcGIS StoryMaps enables storytellers to easily combine text, maps, and interactive content to make engaging stories that inform and inspire.

    Browse storytelling resources

  • Tell your geospatial story with ArcGIS Living Atlas content

    ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World is the foremost collection of geographic information from around the globe. It includes maps, apps, and data layers to support your work. Explore featured apps or search all ArcGIS Living Atlas content for your story.

    Get started with ArcGIS Living Atlas
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A map of shipping routes across the Atlantic, Europe, and Africa, showing patterns of human activity.

Showcase your geospatial storytelling skills

How do you use GIS tools and geospatial data? What story does your map tell? 

This year, StoryMaps and ArcGIS Living Atlas are teaming up to share best practices and innovation in storytelling, cartography, and data visualization. 

We challenge you and storytellers worldwide, ages 18 and over, to build an ArcGIS StoryMaps story or collection that uses ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World content—from data layers and satellite imagery to 3D basemaps and deep learning packages. 

Then submit your story to the 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition in one of three categories:  

  • People
  • Infrastructure
  • Environment

In each category, students enrolled at least half-time at a college, university, or two-year academic institution may compete in a student-only track. 

Guest judges will select a winner and student winner in each category. The StoryMaps and ArcGIS Living Atlas teams will recognize several stories as special award winners based on skilled and innovative techniques, like best custom basemap or best map choreography. 

Visit the 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition announcement story for more details and to get started on your story today. 

Explore the announcement story

Resources

Find tips and tricks to get you started.

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Get inspiration for your story

Browse the 2024 winners

Visit the gallery

Build your story with ArcGIS StoryMaps

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