1. Creation of a story slide using the drawing function (Step A)
VC Story
Interactive map stories for presenting geospatial data and projects
What is VC Story and what is it used for?
VC Story is a presentation and communication layer for web maps based on VC Map. It combines map content with text, images, and additional HTML content to communicate geospatial data and projects in a clear and audience-oriented way.
It is aimed at organizations such as municipalities, planning authorities, smart city initiatives, and service providers in the field of geospatial data and participation that want to structure and communicate content effectively.
How does VC Story work?
A VC Story links content with the logic of a map application:
- Content is combined with map views
- Actions automatically control the map view, for example by switching between viewpoints, layers, or visualization styles
- Users are guided through content and map views – manually or automatically
Two presentation formats can be used:
- Slides: Content as individual windows placed on the map
- Scroll Story: Content as a continuous section alongside the map
Creation with the VC Story Editor
VC Stories are created in VC Publisher using the VC Story Editor. The editor is integrated as an extension in the App Configurator and enables creation via a graphical user interface – without programming.
The VC Story Editor supports:
- Creating and editing content such as text, images, and HTML-based content (e.g. videos or embeds)
- Linking content with map functionality, for example by switching viewpoints, layers, visualization styles, or plugins
- Synchronizing map views and story content
- Choosing between two presentation formats: slides for step-by-step content or a scroll story for a continuous, connected narrative
- Configuring navigation and interaction, such as defining the sequence of content, navigation options, and interactions between story and map
- Using autoplay and loop functions for automatic and repeated playback, for example for presentations or displays
2. Creation of a story slide using the drawing function (Step B)
3. Inserting initial content into a story section
4. Editing text and image in the visual editor
5. Selecting a map view for a map action
6. Creating a button with a map action
7. Display of a story section in scroll mode
Features and capabilities of VC Story
VC Story extends map applications with a structured, interactive presentation layer:
Visualization & usability
- simple and intuitive operation via a graphical user interface
- fast creation without programming knowledge
Interaction & map control
- linking content with layers, viewpoints, and other map functions
- automatic synchronization of map and story
Deployment
- creation in VC Publisher
- integration of VC Story into VC Map and publication via VC Publisher
Benefits for users
With VC Story, geospatial data and project content can be communicated in a clear and structured way:
- complex content is prepared clearly and placed into a coherent context
- spatial information and additional content are closely interlinked
- users are guided step by step through relevant content
- content can be flexibly provided for different target groups
Typical use cases
- urban development projects
- focus topics, such as city maps for specific target groups
- virtual city tours
- environmental and climate data
- building and infrastructure planning
- internal project communication
Examples
VC Stories are already used by customers across various projects – from municipal applications to specialized use cases. The following examples in German show a selection of existing applications:
- VC Story by the State Office for Geoinformation and Land Development: XPlanung in the Smart Villages project. Explore insights
- Urban Digital Twin Wiesbaden: In the welcome popup that appears when opening VC Map, you can choose between the “World Design Capital 2026” and the “KONSUM und ICH” tour. Try it now
- Urban Digital Twin Bremen: In the thematic map selection, choose the “Bremer Stadtmusikanten” map. Click “Start application” to begin your journey with the Bremen Town Musicians through the city. Experience it now
- VC Story Bamberg: Read more about Bamberg’s Digital Twin in our blog article and start your journey through time. Learn more
- Children’s city map Grafing: Explore Grafing from a child’s perspective. Get started
- 20 Years Virtual City Systems anniversary story: Discover how ideas became solutions. Get to know us
VC Story as a service
In addition to creating VC Stories independently with the VC Story Editor, they can also be realized as a service. We support you in preparing your content and implementing the story application – feel free to contact us.
Integration & framework conditions
- Creation and use in VC Publisher as the central environment for configuration, management, and publication
- Integration into the App Configurator for direct use within VC Map
- No separate API – usage exclusively within the VC Publisher infrastructure
- Use of existing VC Map content and functions such as layers, viewpoints, and plugins
VC Story in the context of the VC Suite
VC Story is part of VC Map and enables the structured presentation, contextualization, and communication of content in the digital city model. Creation, maintenance, and publication of story content are handled via VC Publisher.
VC Map
Display stories in the digital city model, position them spatially, and analyze them in context.
VC Publisher
Create, structure, and prepare story content for publication in VC Map.
Frequently asked questions about VC Story
What is the difference between VC Story and Guided Tour?
The Guided Tour supports onboarding within VC Map. VC Story is used for the domain-specific presentation of content and is fully configurable.
How are VC Stories created?
Using the VC Story Editor in VC Publisher – or as a service by Virtual City Systems.
Do I need programming skills?
No. Creation with the VC Story Editor is done via a graphical user interface.
Can VC Stories also be created as a service?
Yes. VC Stories can also be implemented as a service.
Is there an API?
No. VC Story is part of VC Publisher.
Experience VC Story live
Would you like to present spatial information in a clear and targeted way? We would be happy to show you how VC Story enables you to display content in context and make it accessible for different audiences.
“The added value of VC Story lies in making complex and abstract information understandable and tangible. Content, map, and flow are closely interlinked. This makes even complex projects accessible to different target groups.”