BatchGeo vs StoryMapJS

BatchGeo turns spreadsheet data into interactive maps by geocoding locations and plotting them on Google Maps. Users can paste addresses, intersections, cities, states, postal codes, or coordinates, then group and filter results to explore geographic trends. Maps can use markers or boundaries and be saved for embedding on websites with HTML. The free tier supports maps with up to 250 rows; its plan also lists map saving for up to 30 days, up to 1000 geocoding per month, and up to 100 map views. Pro costs $99 a month and includes route optimization for up to 23 locations, Street View integration, and PDF, PNG, and KML exports. BatchGeo has a native iOS app for accessing maps, searching locations, filtering data, and getting driving directions; Android users are directed to mobile-optimized maps. Maps can be public, unlisted, subscription-accessible, or password-protected with Pro. BatchGeo notes technical users may still uncover hidden locations when address hiding is enabled.

StoryMapJS is a free, open-source web tool for building narratives tied to place. A story is arranged as slides, each representing a segment and carrying a map location that readers can follow. Slides can contain photos, video, sound, tweets, and other embedded media. Authors search for locations by name and adjust the position by dragging a map pin. Stories may use ordinary cartographic maps or large images, including gigapixel maps. Basemap choices include OpenStreetMap Standard and Cooper Hewitt Watercolor, with Mapbox maps also supported. OpenStreetMap Standard is listed as a no-cost option; Mapbox and Stadia basemaps may have usage-based fees. The publishing tool supplies HTML for embedding a finished StoryMap on another website. The authoring tool asks permission to store files in the user’s Google Drive. StoryMapJS runs on the web, supports custom data import and built-in location data, and offers interactive output, web embedding, HTML export, and brand customization. Knight Lab describes it for journalists and storytellers whose work depends on place.