GIS Applications: Orientation Story Map

Hi, I’m April Holmes, a full-time Research Associate and Archaeologist at the University of West Florida’s Archaeology Institute. I earned both my B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from UWF, with a focus on terrestrial archaeology. While I was first introduced to GIS through foundational courses during my academic studies, I’ve continued to build on those skills professionally, using ESRI’s ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro for archaeological mapping and analysis.

There is always more to learn, which is why I’m currently enrolled in UWF’s Graduate GIS Certificate program. Through this program, I’ve expanded my knowledge in cartography and Python, further developing the technical skills needed to support archaeological research and data visualization.

For this week’s assignment, I created a simple Story Map Tour to introduce myself, using the cities I’ve lived in as a thematic guide. While I am new to working with ArcGIS Online (AGOL), I learned a great deal through trial and error, exploring the tools, and drawing inspiration from other examples.

Throughout the process, I also began to see the broader potential of Story Maps, particularly as an outreach tool for cultural resources. For sites that are open to visitors, they can provide an engaging, interactive platform to share archaeological context, enhance public education, and promote preservation.

If you'd like to take the tour, you can check it out here: April's Story Map