Blake sent an email to the HOT Community WG asking for ideas on how to increase the number of regular HOT mappers. This is squarely in my research domain, so it was a fun question to respond to… I suggested things that now to me are pretty obvious, but weren’t just a year ago.

My suggestions follow, in no particular order.

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Identify existing communities with a propensity for this kind of work: GIS experts, aid org volunteers, and others who are similarly embedded in existing contributor communities.

Partner with more large corporates, but choose the right ones: where there are already some HOT mappers on staff, and people who can coordinate company mapathons. Don’t go through exec, instead identify existing mappers who care. (Cf Arup, others)

Set up regular online events where people can come together in a more social fashion. Online chats, twitch streams, etc; play with the format.

More regular mapathons around the world, organised by new groups; learn from Missing Maps in London, they’re now world experts in how to do it well.

Better communication of ongoing needs: e.g. a weekly (or monthly) email which provides background info on current projects, incl mapping tips about specific pitfalls.

A well-managed validator process, similar to Missing Maps in London: try to ensure that new contributors receive good and constructive feedback early.

Better guidance on the TM homepage: instead of “pick from infinite list of words”, try to emphasise different aspects that may resonate with particular types of mappers. The easy ones: degree of urgency, type of purpose, participating organisations, “almost done” projects, projects in specific countries, … I’m sure there are loads more aspects. (Then measure which of these things people actually respond to.)

Find means of identifying people who are actually interested (or likely to be interested), and then give them more specific support. For example, make sure they’re connected to a mentor or a peer group.

Based on existing experiences, figure out what kinds of social mapping settings are quick to set up and easy to replicate in different places, and by different people. Then write up some simple design patterns for how to set up your own mapping group. How to pick a good organiser, who should you invite, what’s a good venue, what tech is needed, what support will first-time mappers require, where do you go with more specific questions, etc.

Increase social presence: give people a social identity beyond their username, then get them to chat, share experiences, etc.