ArcGIS StoryMaps vs DataStories

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for sharing maps, apps, and multimedia as narrative content. Authors can create stories, slide-based briefings, mobile-first frames, and collections with reusable themes. The builder supports configured 2D web maps and 3D web scenes, as well as ArcGIS apps created by organization members. Stories can draw on existing ArcGIS maps and scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated ArcGIS Living Atlas maps. Published items can be shared with an organization, selected groups, or everyone; organization members can co-author through groups. Changes save automatically, and authors can republish edits when ready. Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus user types provide full storytelling capabilities; Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker can view shared content but cannot create it. Public accounts are free, with usage limits and some advanced features unavailable. A free plan and a 21-day trial are listed. ArcGIS StoryMaps is also included with ArcGIS Enterprise starting at version 10.8.1, including deployment in disconnected environments.

DataStories is an augmented and predictive analytics platform for generating insights from data without prior data-science experience. It turns structured data into interactive stories that users can interpret, act on, communicate, and share. Its analysis supports regression and binary classification, including predicting multiple KPIs at once. For regression tasks with at least one numerical KPI, the optimizer can seek KPI configurations while accounting for objectives, uncertainty, and constraints. Inputs are tabular Excel, CSV, or TXT files, with at least 20 rows and a maximum size of 40 MB. Users can optionally create PowerPoint slides from story slides available in the platform. A library connects the computational engine through Python or Jupyter, and SDK tutorials cover MLflow, Databricks, and standalone dashboards. Stories can be shared with other platform accounts using viewer, share, or share-and-clone permissions. A local workstation installation starts with Pro. The maker says cloud data is hosted on AWS servers in Ireland and remains within the EU. A trial is available for an agreed evaluation period, and may have limited features.