With the much-anticipated Google Map Maker Summit Mindanao, a joint venture of Google, the Department of Tourism and the Soccsksargen Bloggers, only a few days away, I am sharing some must-do tips for those who have already registered online their intent to participate.

These tips are from Mapping enthusiast Theo Cayambas of Sagada, Mountain Province.  Please read and share them to everyone.

Five Things Attendees Might Want To Do Before the Mapping Summit

1.   Create a GMail account if you don’t have one yet.  While you can activate a Google account without having to use GMail, there are extra hoops you would have to jump through to be able to use Map Maker and interact with other mappers if you do not use GMail. Go to http://gmail.com/ and click on the red button labelled ‘create an account‘ or ‘sign up‘ to start creating your brand new GMail.

2.    Activate your Google Plus profile. While on GMail, click on the upper right where your name appears and then click the blue ‘Join Google+‘ or ‘activate profile‘ button on the drop down menu. It would be easier for you to exchange ideas at the Map Maker forums when you have activated your public profile. You could also exchange ideas with other mappers on Google Plus without having to divulge to everyone your email address.

3.    Activate your Google Places nickname. You gain credibility on Map Maker when you choose to identify yourself with a nickname rather than deciding to stay anonymous. It would also be easier for Expert Reviewers help you out if you have a nickname. Go to http://places.google.com/rate and then choose the nickname you want.

4.   Visit Google Map Maker or  http://mapmaker.google.com/ and watch and listen to the first tutorial.  Be sure to start pursuing your first Map Maker edits by concentrating on your very own NEIGHBORHOODS.

5.   Go back to your Google Plus account or to this–> https://plus.google.com/102046358673499084397 and add the Map 4 Mindanao Page to your G+ Circles.

After you have done everything, then you are now ready for the first-ever Google Map Maker Summit Mindanao!

Remember to bring your laptops and do not forget to fully-charge their batteries in advanced.

Meanwhile, here’s a group photo of the Google Map Maker Summit Luzon attendees which was successfully held in Baguio City last weekend.   Look for me in the picture if you can.  🙂

See you then at the STI  College Campus on Saturday, April 21, 2012.  Together, let us all collectively map Mindanao and highlight its tourism potentials.  Para sa atin ito!