Turn the visibility setting of the map layers on in ArcGIS StoryMaps

Summary

By default, ArcGIS StoryMaps does not have the functionality to turn layers on and off when viewing the story in real-time. In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to turn the visibility setting of the map layers on so users can switch them on or off to control the display on the map between views. This article provides the methods and instructions.

Procedure

Turn the visibility setting on before adding the layers to the story

In ArcGIS StoryMaps, when adding the desired map to the story, turn the visibility of the map layers on under Map Layers in the Adjust map appearance window to only display the required layers in the story. Alternatively, edit the display of the existing maps by turning the visibilty of the map layers in the story on or off.

Embed the map in ArcGIS StoryMaps

Note:
The following workflow is currently only supported in ArcGIS Online Map Viewer Classic.

In ArcGIS Online Map Viewer Classic, configure the map to enable layer toggle. Refer to How To: Enable layer toggle in an embedded ArcGIS Online web map for instructions. Embed the map to the story in ArcGIS StoryMaps.

The image below demonstrates the visibility of the map layers can be turned on or off in the embedded map in ArcGIS StoryMaps.

Note:
The following workarounds only work with ArcGIS subscription accounts. Refer to ArcGIS StoryMaps: Licensing for more information.

Add a sidecar

In ArcGIS StoryMaps, add a sidecar block to display specific layers with different layer visibilities in different slides. Refer to ArcGIS StoryMaps: Add a sidecar to a story for instructions.

Embed the ArcGIS Web AppBuilder app

In ArcGIS Web AppBuilder, create an app and add the Layer List widget. Copy the URL of the app to embed the app to the story in ArcGIS StoryMaps.

The image below demonstrates the visibility of the map layers can be turned on or off in the embedded ArcGIS Web AppBuilder app in ArcGIS StoryMaps.