Maps can do more than show us where things are. They can reveal patterns, challenge assumptions, help us prepare for the future, and support better decisions. That’s the spirit behind the 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, which invites storytellers around the world to use maps and geospatial tools to explore how bold ideas can create positive change in communities and beyond.

Maps Are for the Bold

The 2026 competition challenges participants to explore the theme “Maps are for the bold.” Bold can mean challenging the way things have always been done, uncovering insights that others have missed, preparing for what comes next, or using evidence to make thoughtful decisions in uncertain situations.

The competition provides four categories for participants to showcase their stories:

Seeing What Others Missed

Use mapping to uncover an unexpected pattern, relationship, or insight.

Refusing the Status Quo

Show how maps helped challenge conventional thinking or rethink the way something has traditionally been done.

Designing a Better Future

Use geography and spatial information to anticipate, test, or prepare for future possibilities.

Acting with Clarity in Complexity

Demonstrate how maps helped leaders or communities make informed decisions when faced with uncertainty or complex challenges. The competition includes professional and student tracks, giving storytellers at different stages an opportunity to share their work.

Build Your Story with the ArcGIS StoryMaps Team

Preparing a compelling story takes more than great maps. To help participants and anyone interested in geospatial storytelling, strengthen their skills, the ArcGIS Storytelling team is hosting a four-part ArcGIS StoryMaps Live chat series, Build a Story with Us.

Running from August through November, the series will walk participants through the storytelling process step by step:

• 12 August: Finding the story in your information
• 9 September: Adding Living Atlas content for geospatial storytelling
• 14 October: Assembling and theming the pieces of your story
• 10 November: Putting the finishing touches on your story

Each session will feature practical techniques, best practices, resources, and insights from the ArcGIS Storytelling team and guest subject matter experts.

And you don’t have to enter the competition to participate. The sessions are open to storytellers and GIS professionals who want to develop stronger geospatial communication skills.

Competition Opens 8 September

The 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition opens on 8 September, 2026. Whether you’re a GIS professional, student, urban planner, conservationist, disaster response specialist, researcher, or simply someone with a story to tell, this is an opportunity to show how geography can help us see problems differently and pursue better outcomes.

Start thinking about the story you want to tell, explore the competition categories, and use the StoryMaps Live sessions to sharpen your storytelling skills.

Ready to tell a bold story?

Explore the 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition and discover the eligibility requirements, recognition opportunities, and competition timeline.

Learn more: https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-storymaps/contest/overview

Register for the ArcGIS StoryMaps Live chat series: https://ow.ly/Bebw50ZulPs