Back
SC
Step 2 of 7
15 min

Setting Up Your Accounts

Before you can start mapping, you need to set up three essential accounts. This process takes approximately 15 minutes and establishes your identity within the global mapping community.

Step 1: Gmail Account Creation

If you don't already have a Gmail account, you'll need to create one. This email will be your primary communication channel and login credential for mapping platforms.

Gmail Setup Process

  • Navigate to gmail.com in your web browser
  • Click 'Create account' and select 'For myself'
  • Fill in your first and last name
  • Choose a unique email address (this will be your username)
  • Create a strong password (at least 12 characters with numbers and symbols)
  • Add a recovery phone number (highly recommended)
  • Complete the verification process
  • Accept Google's Terms of Service

Pro Tip: Use a professional email address format like firstname.lastname@gmail.com. This email will appear in your mapping contributions and communications.

Step 2: OpenStreetMap (OSM) Account

OpenStreetMap is the collaborative project that creates free editable maps of the world. All your mapping work will be contributed to and stored in the OSM database. Your OSM account is your mapping identity.

OSM Registration Steps

  • Visit openstreetmap.org in your browser
  • Click the 'Sign Up' button in the top-right corner
  • Enter your email address (use your Gmail from Step 1)
  • Create a display name (this will be publicly visible on all your edits)
  • Set a strong, unique password
  • Read and accept the Contributor Terms
  • Check your email for the confirmation message
  • Click the confirmation link to activate your account
  • Log in to verify your account is active

Critical: Your OSM display name will be permanently associated with all your mapping contributions. Choose a professional name you'll be comfortable with long-term. It cannot be easily changed later.

Step 3: HOT Tasking Manager Authorization

The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) Tasking Manager coordinates organized mapping projects. It divides large mapping areas into manageable tasks and tracks progress across teams.

Tasking Manager Setup

  • Navigate to tasks.hotosm.org
  • Click 'Log in' in the top-right corner
  • Select 'Log in with OpenStreetMap'
  • You'll be redirected to OpenStreetMap to authorize the connection
  • Review the permissions (Tasking Manager needs to read your profile and submit edits)
  • Click 'Grant Access' to authorize
  • You'll be redirected back to the Tasking Manager
  • Complete your Tasking Manager profile (skill level, languages, experience)

Set your Tasking Manager skill level to 'Beginner' initially. This helps project managers assign appropriate tasks and ensures you receive tasks suitable for your experience level.

Key Takeaways

  • Three accounts required: Gmail, OpenStreetMap, and HOT Tasking Manager
  • Your OSM display name is permanent and publicly visible
  • Tasking Manager connects via OAuth to your OSM account
  • Mark yourself as a beginner mapper in your Tasking Manager profile