Place-Based Analysis StoryMaps
Create ArcGIS StoryMaps that combine spatial analysis with narrative storytelling.
These three major assignments require you to conduct original fieldwork, engage with your local area, and apply economic geography concepts to real-world observations. Each project builds different skills while demonstrating how geographic thinking reveals patterns in everyday economic activities.
What is an ArcGIS StoryMap?
Combining Maps & Narrative
ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based platform that allows you to combine maps, photos, text, and multimedia into compelling narratives. It's used by journalists, researchers, nonprofits, and businesses to tell spatial stories.
Professional Skills
Creating StoryMaps develops skills that employers value: spatial analysis, data visualization, digital storytelling, and the ability to communicate complex geographic information to diverse audiences.
Technical Guide Available
A complete technical guide for creating StoryMaps is available to help you get started:
Download Technical Guide (DOCX)Assignment 1: Economic Landscape Analysis
Walking/Driving Survey of Local Economic Activity
100 pointsDue: Week 5
Assignment Overview
Conduct a systematic survey of economic activity in your local area (neighborhood, shopping district, or small town). Document businesses, services, and economic activities through photographs and field notes. Create a StoryMap that maps these activities and analyzes spatial patterns using concepts from Chapters 1-3.
Learning Objectives
- Apply economic geography concepts to real-world observations
- Develop skills in fieldwork and systematic observation
- Analyze spatial patterns of economic activity
- Practice digital storytelling with geographic data
- Connect theoretical frameworks to local contexts
Requirements
Fieldwork
- Document 15-20 locations minimum
- Take original photographs
- Record GPS coordinates
- Note business types and characteristics
- Observe spatial relationships
StoryMap Content
- Interactive map with documented locations
- High-quality photographs
- Written narrative (1500-2000 words)
- Analysis of spatial patterns
- Application of course concepts
Analysis Components
- Identify economic clusters
- Discuss locational factors
- Analyze uneven development
- Connect to broader patterns
- Cite course readings
Download Full Assignment Details
The complete assignment sheet with detailed instructions, rubric, and examples:
Download Assignment 1 PDFWhy This Assignment?
This assignment is intentionally designed to be "AI-resistant" because it requires:
- Original fieldwork: You must physically visit and document locations
- Personal photography: Photos must show your local area
- Local knowledge: Analysis requires understanding of your specific context
- Spatial thinking: AI cannot replicate geographic reasoning about real places
Assignment 2: Supply Chain Investigation
Tracing the Geographic Journey of a Product
100 pointsDue: Week 10
Assignment Overview
Select a physical product you use regularly (clothing item, electronic device, food product, etc.) and trace its supply chain from raw materials to your hands. Investigate the geographic stages of production, analyze patterns of uneven development, and create a StoryMap that tells the spatial story of this product.
Learning Objectives
- Understand global supply chains and production networks
- Analyze patterns of uneven geographic development
- Research corporate production strategies
- Connect personal consumption to global economic geography
- Evaluate social and environmental implications of production
Requirements
Research
- Select appropriate product
- Research production stages
- Identify geographic locations
- Investigate labor conditions
- Analyze transportation routes
- Interview workers or managers
- Visit retail locations
- Photograph product and packaging
- Document local connections Gather primary data
StoryMap Elements
- Map of supply chain stages
- Photos and graphics
- 2000-2500 word narrative
- Analysis of geographic patterns
- Properly cited sources
Download Full Assignment Details
The complete assignment sheet with detailed instructions, rubric, and examples:
Download Assignment 2 PDFKey Concepts to Apply
- Global production networks and supply chains
- Transnational corporations and their strategies
- Uneven geographic development
- Labor geography and working conditions
- Transportation and logistics
- Environmental implications of production
Assignment 3: Consumer Geography Project
Analyzing Your Own Consumption Patterns
100 pointsDue: Week 14
Assignment Overview
Document and analyze your own consumption patterns over one week. Track all purchases, map where you shop, and analyze the geographic dimensions of your consumer behavior. Create a StoryMap that connects personal patterns to broader theories about retail geography, consumer behavior, and economic geography.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze consumer behavior from a geographic perspective
- Understand retail location strategies
- Examine personal consumption through critical lens
- Connect individual actions to broader patterns
- Reflect on geographic influences on daily life
Requirements
Data Collection
- Track all purchases for one week
- Record locations visited
- Note reasons for location choices
- Document travel patterns
- Take photographs
Analysis
- Map shopping locations
- Analyze spatial patterns
- Identify influencing factors
- Compare online vs in-person
- Reflect on implications
StoryMap Deliverable
- Interactive maps of purchases
- Photos from fieldwork
- 1500-2000 word narrative
- Personal reflection
- Connection to theory
Download Full Assignment Details
The complete assignment sheet with detailed instructions, rubric, and examples:
Download Assignment 3 PDF- What geographic factors influence where you shop?
- How do distance and accessibility affect your choices?
- What role does location play in retail success?
- How have your patterns changed over time?
- What are the broader implications of your consumption patterns?
General Guidelines for All StoryMaps
Technical Requirements
- Use ArcGIS StoryMaps platform
- Include interactive maps with multiple locations
- High-quality, original photographs
- Clear, professional layout and design
- Mobile-responsive formatting
- Proper citations in Chicago or APA format
Writing Quality
- Clear, concise academic writing
- Proper grammar and spelling
- Logical organization and flow
- Integration of course concepts
- Critical analysis, not just description
- Appropriate use of geographic terminology
Content Depth
- Substantial original fieldwork
- Application of multiple course concepts
- Analysis beyond surface-level observations
- Connection to broader patterns
- Engagement with course readings
- Critical geographic thinking
Submission & Grading
How to Submit
- Complete StoryMap on ArcGIS Online
- Make sure it's set to "Public" or "Shared"
- Submit the URL link via TCU Online
- Double-check that link works before deadline
- Keep a backup of all photos and text
Grading Criteria
- Fieldwork Quality (30%): Thoroughness and originality
- Analysis (30%): Application of concepts
- Writing (20%): Clarity and quality
- Presentation (20%): Visual design and maps
Getting Help
- Review the technical guide
- Attend office hours
- Use ESRI tutorials and resources
- Consult with TCU IT if needed
- Ask questions in class
Academic Integrity Reminder
All fieldwork, photographs, and writing must be your own original work. These assignments are designed to require personal engagement with real places and cannot be completed using AI or other shortcuts. Using AI-generated content or submitting work that is not based on authentic fieldwork will result in academic misconduct charges.