What stories are underlain in the 2-dimensionality of a map?
While maps have always been powerful tools, they are frequently viewed as technical instruments for data. Reducing spaces to raw data, tables, and layers strips away the human element that gives those locations their true meaning.
For the 8th Heo/Geo Lecture Series for 2026, the UP Department of Geography and the Philippine Geographical Society (PGS) are presenting a lecture titled Weaving Narratives into Spaces with ArcGIS StoryMaps. To be given by Lou Benedict Daran of Geodata Systems Technologies, the lecture happens on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 5:30PM via Zoom.
This presentation explores how to use ArcGIS StoryMaps as an immersive digital storytelling platform. By shifting our focus from technical aspects of data toward narrative design, we can weave together images, videos, and interactive maps to build a genuine emotional connection with the places we showcase. We are hoping that attendees will leave with a different perspective from the traditional norm and present spatial data as compelling, human-centered stories.
Lou Benedict "Levin" Daran is a GIS instructor from the Training and Technical Support Division of Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc. A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Geography, his technical competencies include spatial analysis, map design, and application configuration. He has extensive experience equipping major organizations such as the City Government of Makati, Batangas State University, and MMDA with spatial data skills through ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. His professional portfolio also extends to high-impact humanitarian initiatives. He previously contributed to the PhilAware project, mapping and validating critical lifeline facilities in Pampanga and Quezon City for the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team – Philippines (HOTPH).
Jointly sponsored by the UP Department of Geography and the Philippine Geographical Society (PGS), the Heo/Geo Lecture Series is a monthly talk / lecture given by academic geographers, geography-adjacent scholars, practitioners working in geospatial industries, and partners that engaged in geography through their multiple publics. Speakers are invited for the relevance of the talk to our local to global allies and partners. The talk ranges from the sharing of research findings to pedagogical practices and field-based experiences. This current lecture is facilitated by the Geographic Information Systems and Techniques (GIST) research cluster at the UP Department of Geography and is in line with the SDG #4 (Quality Education) of the United Nations.
To participate in the lecture, click this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/53u6w53w
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