The story map is a web-based tool that uses maps, text, videos and more to present interactive narratives designed to meet your goals and needs. Some key reasons your organization or trail could consider developing a story map include: 

• An interactive story map allows organizations to engage users more effectively by combining maps, images, videos, and text to capture the audience's attention and keeps them engaged longer than traditional data presentations.

• Story maps can improve data visualization in ways that are easy to understand and makes the data more accessible and relevant to users.

• Story maps are particularly useful for showing spatial relationships, such as trends, patterns, and connections between places. 

• Interactive story maps are effective for educating the public or stakeholders about specific issues, such as conservation efforts, historical changes, or trail infrastructure projects. 

• By visualizing data geographically, decision-makers can better assess situations and make more informed choices. 

• Organizations can use story maps to share the impact of their projects, helping potential donors, stakeholders, or the general public visualize how and where their support makes a difference.

• Story maps offer an opportunity for trails and organizations to showcase their achievements or projects in an innovative way to build a brand image, demonstrate transparency, and reinforce a their commitment to specific issue or community.

• Interactive story maps can be shared and updated in real-time, making them a dynamic tool for collaboration. 

• Since story maps can be shared digitally, they are a cost-effective way to reach a large audience without needing physical materials.