ArcGIS Dashboards vs ArcGIS StoryMaps
Dashboards communicates operational indicators and interactive data views. StoryMaps explains a subject through a geographic narrative. Use Dashboards for ongoing monitoring and StoryMaps for contextual explanation, while validating the underlying data permissions in either case.
Which option fits the requirement?
Dashboards communicates operational indicators and interactive data views. StoryMaps explains a subject through a geographic narrative. Use Dashboards for ongoing monitoring and StoryMaps for contextual explanation, while validating the underlying data permissions in either case.
Seven differences that change the shortlist
| Buying question | ArcGIS Dashboards | ArcGIS StoryMaps |
|---|---|---|
| Output model | Operational information dashboard | Map-based narrative or presentation |
| Authoring approach | Configure maps, indicators and dashboard elements | Compose maps, text and multimedia |
| Data context | Maps and connected data views | Geographic context with narrative content |
| Interaction focus | Monitoring indicators and interacting with data | Explaining a topic through a story |
| Platform boundary | ArcGIS organisation and sharing permissions | ArcGIS content, access and publication settings |
| Evaluation focus | Indicator definitions, filters and update behaviour | Narrative clarity, accessibility and map permissions |
| Cost components | Eligible access, underlying services and hosted data | Eligible access, content creation and connected services |
Four worked buying briefs
These are hypothetical scenarios with explicit assumptions. They do not establish equal capabilities, measured usability or a negotiated price.
| Requirement | Proposed exercise | Accept when |
|---|---|---|
| Audience task | Build one copied view that answers a specific visitor question. | The intended audience can complete the task using the available interaction. |
| Mobile layout | Read the app and operate its essential controls on a narrow screen. | Content, controls and data remain understandable and usable. |
| Sharing permissions | Open the published test content as an anonymous and an authorised user. | Apps and underlying layers follow the documented access policy. |
| Content update | Change one authorised sample record and inspect the published view. | The update and ownership process is documented and repeatable. |
Audience task
Can the team build one copied view that answers a specific visitor question?
ArcGIS Dashboards: With ArcGIS Dashboards, build one copied view that answers a specific visitor question.
ArcGIS StoryMaps: With ArcGIS StoryMaps, build one copied view that answers a specific visitor question.
The intended audience can complete the task using the available interaction.
Mobile layout
Can the team read the app and operate its essential controls on a narrow screen?
ArcGIS Dashboards: With ArcGIS Dashboards, read the app and operate its essential controls on a narrow screen.
ArcGIS StoryMaps: With ArcGIS StoryMaps, read the app and operate its essential controls on a narrow screen.
Content, controls and data remain understandable and usable.
Sharing permissions
Can the team open the published test content as an anonymous and an authorised user?
ArcGIS Dashboards: With ArcGIS Dashboards, open the published test content as an anonymous and an authorised user.
ArcGIS StoryMaps: With ArcGIS StoryMaps, open the published test content as an anonymous and an authorised user.
Apps and underlying layers follow the documented access policy.
Content update
Can the team change one authorised sample record and inspect the published view?
ArcGIS Dashboards: With ArcGIS Dashboards, change one authorised sample record and inspect the published view.
ArcGIS StoryMaps: With ArcGIS StoryMaps, change one authorised sample record and inspect the published view.
The update and ownership process is documented and repeatable.
Scope and architecture
Dashboards communicates operational indicators and interactive data views. StoryMaps explains a subject through a geographic narrative. Use Dashboards for ongoing monitoring and StoryMaps for contextual explanation, while validating the underlying data permissions in either case.
These applications present geographic information in different ways and can be combined. An operational dashboard, interactive web application and narrative story have different audience tasks. Confirm user types, public access, underlying layer permissions and any separately billed services.
ArcGIS Dashboards product information ↗ · ArcGIS StoryMaps product information ↗
Cost and migration planning
For ArcGIS Dashboards, include eligible access, underlying services and hosted data. For ArcGIS StoryMaps, include eligible access, content creation and connected services. Define the same task, inputs, required outputs and operating environment, then confirm current terms for the actual software configuration.
Publish a copied map with test data, verify it as an anonymous visitor and an authorised user, and check its layout on a small screen. Preserve required layer access and document who owns the app, data and updates.
Questions before you choose
How should we choose between ArcGIS Dashboards and ArcGIS StoryMaps?
Dashboards communicates operational indicators and interactive data views. StoryMaps explains a subject through a geographic narrative. Use Dashboards for ongoing monitoring and StoryMaps for contextual explanation, while validating the underlying data permissions in either case.
Which costs belong in the comparison?
For ArcGIS Dashboards, include eligible access, underlying services and hosted data. For ArcGIS StoryMaps, include eligible access, content creation and connected services. Define the same task, inputs, required outputs and operating environment, then confirm current terms for the actual software configuration.
What should we validate before a production move?
Publish a copied map with test data, verify it as an anonymous visitor and an authorised user, and check its layout on a small screen. Preserve required layer access and document who owns the app, data and updates.
Turn the comparison into your own evaluation
Use the same criteria and priorities for both products, keep unknowns unassessed and record the plan and evidence behind your ratings.
Build a ArcGIS Dashboards vs ArcGIS StoryMaps scorecard →Keep the assumptions with the figures
Use the date, billing cycle, units and limits with each example. Check current account terms before purchasing. Unverified prices and model costs stay unpriced.
Download the buying examples as JSON ↓Share the comparison
Use these examples when discussing the shortlist with your team.