No. 12 of 41 ·Interactive Map Software

StoryMapJS

Web

Freedom report

Two barsScore 6.3

StoryMapJS is ranked #12 of 41 in interactive map software on Freedom251. It runs on Web. There is a free plan.

StoryMapJS plans and pricing

Free Free No price or usage limits stated knightlab.northwestern.edu · 3 Oct 2026

Purpose: StoryMapJS helps connect places in a story into a media-rich narrative.
Slides and locations: A StoryMap uses slides for story segments, with map locations that readers can follow.
Embedded media: Slides can include photos, videos, sound, tweets, and other embedded media.
Location editing: Authors can search for places by name and fine-tune a location by dragging its map pin.
Publishing: The publishing tool provides HTML that authors can copy into their own website to embed a StoryMap.
Gigapixel maps: StoryMapJS supports stories based on large images as well as cartographic maps.
Map providers: Available basemaps include OpenStreetMap Standard and Cooper Hewitt Watercolor, and the tool also supports Mapbox maps.
Map provider costs: Mapbox and Stadia basemaps may involve usage-based fees, while OpenStreetMap Standard is listed as a no-cost option.
Google Drive: The authoring tool asks users to authorize StoryMapJS to store files on their Google Drive account.
Security and trust: The authoring tool requests permission to store files in Google Drive; the page does not describe security certifications or compliance standards.
Support: Knight Lab points users to a StoryMapJS support forum and a private support request form.
Intended users: Knight Lab describes StoryMapJS as a tool for journalists and storytellers whose stories depend on place.
Founded: 2013
Headquarters: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Price from: Free

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