Accordion Stories

Create narrative content with expandable sections that can include maps, datasets, and rich text.

Overview

Accordion Stories provide a storytelling interface with expandable sections. Each section can contain rich HTML content, embedded maps, and linked datasets, making them ideal for creating interactive narratives and guided explorations.

Creating Accordion Stories

Access

  • Navigate to Accordion Stories (accordion_stories.php)

  • Publishers and admins can create stories

  • Users can view stories they have access to

Story Structure

Stories consist of:

  • Title: Story title

  • Description: Story description

  • Sections: Multiple expandable sections

  • Category: Optional categorization

  • Permissions: Access control settings

Sections

Section Content

Each section can contain:

  • Title: Section heading

  • HTML Content: Rich text with formatting

  • Dataset Link: Optional dataset association

  • Maps: Embedded map displays

  • Media: Images and other media

Section Features

  • Expandable: Click to expand/collapse

  • Rich Text: HTML formatting support

  • Dataset Integration: Link to datasets

  • Map Integration: Display maps in sections

  • Ordering: Custom section order

Building Stories

Step 1: Create Story

  1. Navigate to Accordion Stories

  2. Click “New Story”

  3. Enter title and description

  4. Select category (optional)

  5. Set permissions

Step 2: Add Sections

  1. Open story builder

  2. Add new section

  3. Enter section title

  4. Add HTML content

  5. Optionally link dataset

  6. Save section

Step 3: Configure Content

  1. Use rich text editor for content

  2. Format text with HTML

  3. Add images and media

  4. Link to datasets

  5. Embed maps if needed

Step 4: Arrange Sections

  1. Reorder sections by dragging

  2. Set default expanded section

  3. Organize narrative flow

  4. Save story

Content Editor

Rich Text Editing

  • Formatting: Bold, italic, underline

  • Headings: Multiple heading levels

  • Lists: Ordered and unordered lists

  • Links: Hyperlinks to external content

  • Images: Image embedding

  • Tables: Table creation

HTML Support

  • Direct HTML editing

  • Custom styling

  • Embedded content

  • Script integration (if allowed)

Dataset Integration

Linking Datasets

  • Dataset Selection: Choose dataset to link

  • Automatic Display: Map automatically displays linked dataset

  • Synchronization: Section expansion shows linked data

  • Filtering: Apply filters to linked datasets

Map Display

When a section has a linked dataset:

  • Map automatically displays dataset

  • Section expansion shows map

  • Map updates with section changes

  • Interactive map features available

Viewing Stories

Story Viewer

  • Left Panel: Accordion sections

  • Right Panel: Map display (if dataset linked)

  • Navigation: Expand/collapse sections

  • Responsive: Mobile-friendly layout

Interaction

  • Expand Sections: Click to expand

  • Collapse Sections: Click to collapse

  • Map Interaction: Pan, zoom, query

  • Content Scrolling: Scroll through content

Use Cases

Guided Tours

  • Location-based tours

  • Historical narratives

  • Educational content

  • Story maps

Data Narratives

  • Data exploration guides

  • Analysis walkthroughs

  • Results presentations

  • Research stories

Documentation

  • Feature documentation

  • User guides

  • Tutorial content

  • Help systems

Presentations

  • Interactive presentations

  • Conference materials

  • Public engagement

  • Stakeholder reports

Permissions

Access Control

  • Public: Accessible to all users

  • Private: Creator only

  • Group-based: Shared with user groups

  • Custom: Specific user permissions

Editing Permissions

  • Creator: Can edit their stories

  • Admins: Can edit all stories

  • Publishers: Can create and edit stories

  • Users: Can view accessible stories

Story Management

Editing

  • Edit story metadata

  • Modify sections

  • Update content

  • Reorder sections

  • Change permissions

Sharing

  • Share via URL

  • Set public/private status

  • Configure group access

  • Embed in other pages

Organization

  • Categorize stories

  • Tag stories

  • Search stories

  • Filter by category

Example Story

A typical accordion story might include:

  1. Introduction Section: Overview and context

  2. Data Section: Dataset description with linked map

  3. Analysis Section: Analysis results and findings

  4. Conclusion Section: Summary and next steps

Each section expands to reveal content and updates the map display.

Best Practices

Content

  • Write clear, engaging content

  • Use appropriate section titles

  • Organize content logically

  • Include visual elements

Maps

  • Link relevant datasets

  • Use appropriate basemaps

  • Configure map styling

  • Test map interactions