Create a legend for map tours in ArcGIS StoryMaps

Summary

A legend in map tours helps explain the symbols, colors, and layers displayed on the map, particularly when custom web maps include additional operational layers. It improves map readability, reduces confusion, and makes the map more accessible by clearly communicating its visual encoding, while remaining optional for simpler maps where it would add unnecessary clutter.

Procedure

Note:
The first workflow depends on the selected data source and map tour layout.

Toggle Legend and 'Use feature layer style (beta)' on in the Adjust map appearance window

1. In ArcGIS StoryMaps, add a map tour. In Step 3, select Start from a feature layer and select the preferred feature layer.
2. In the media pane, on the map, click Edit.
3. In the Adjust map appearance window, under Options, for Map configuration, toggle Legend on. Optionally, toggle Keep legend open on.
4. For Map pin style, toggle Use feature layer style (beta) on.
5. Click Save.

The story below displays the map with the legends.

Use a graphic legend

Add an image representing a graphic legend before the map tour to explain the features in the story. Refer to ArcGIS StoryMaps: Add images for more information.

The story below displays the added image as the graphic legend.

Encode the map layer’s color to text

1. In ArcGIS StoryMaps, navigate to the story and add a Text block.
2. Click Paragraph and select Bulleted list.

3. Specify the names of the feature layers used in the map tours. In this example, ‘Private School’ and ‘Government School’ are used.
4. Highlight the text and click Color in the text formatting toolbar.
5. Select the text color for the feature layer.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the next feature layer.

The story below displays bulleted list text encoded with the color of the feature layers.