Guides: Digital projects and assignments: Tell stories with maps and timelines

Timelines

Timeline JS

Timelines are a great way to illustrate an issue through time. TimelineJS, uses a Google spreadsheet to populate the timeline. Knowledge of HTML is useful but not necessary.With TimelineJS you are not limited to images. You can also add maps, sound bites, links to Wikipedia, YouTube videos, etc.

TimelineJS
TimelineJS is an open-source tool that enables anyone to build visually rich, interactive timelines. Beginners can create a timeline using nothing more than a Google spreadsheet.
Example - Streaming Services in Canada
This is a sample project to better understand how this tool works. TimelineJS allows you to create interactive multimedia timelines with images, videos, and content from platforms like Twitter, Wikipedia, SoundCloud, YouTube, etc.
Example - Timeline Spreadsheet
This is the spreadsheet used to populate the example above.

Tiki-Toki

Not to be confused with TikTok, Tiki-Toki creates visually stunning 2D and 3D timelines with the possibility of adding images, videos, and sound recordings. Their free account allows you to create a single timeline. Tiki-toki has an easy to use online platform.

Other options

There are many tools to create timelines. Some of these are free while others require a subscription. Below is a list of selected tools. You can find a more comprehensive list here.

MyHistro
This tool combines maps and timelines.
Scalar
Users can create timelines within digital books.
Time Graphic
This tool shows the entire timeline at the same time. Can be downloaded in several formats or consulted offline.
Venngage
This tool allows users to create timelines as infographics (static).

Storymaps

Storymaps allow you to create a narrative through different locations on a map or an image (images requires access to a server). This tool offers an easy platform to build your projects. More complex designs are possible using a Google Spreadsheet. A Google account is required.

StorymapJS
StorymapJS is a free tool to help you tell stories on the web that highlight the locations of a series of events.
Example - Olympic Games 2000-2020
This is a sample project to better understand how this tool works. StorymapJS allows you to create interactive multimedia maps with images, videos, and content from platforms like Twitter, Wikipedia, SoundCloud, YouTube, etc.

Static maps

My Maps (Google Maps)
Create your own maps, pinpoint locations, areas, etc.
Mapchart.net
Create colour coded maps to better illustrate your data.

More information

Find more information about these tools in the following guide:

Digital and multimedia publishing

Tips and tricks for a good storymap

Adapted from StorymapJS/TimelineJS

Short and sweet: Limit your storymap to no more than 20 slides.
Make sure that your project has a strong location/time narrative that keeps moving forward (no jumping around).
Remember each event is a part of your overall narrative.
A good storymap/timeline will include both major events and the minor ones that led to them.