Crowdmap is not just for crisis mapping even though a lot of the media has associated Crowdmap with crisis mapping. Crowdmap can be used to map a wide range of issues, from event-based issues, to resources like schools and market places. In any case, if you do plan to use Crowdmap for crisis mapping, then we recommend you follow the following 5 steps.

1. Find out if someone else has already deployed Crowdmap for the same emergency. There are several ways you can do this:

a). Do a Google Search

b). Ask on the Crisis CrowdMap Google Group.

c). See whether the domain name is already taken, e.g.: http://HaitiEarthquake2010.cowdmap.com

2. If a Crowdmap already exists, then contact the person who launched the platform to ask how you can help. If you want to use Crowdmap in a different way, then read on.

3. Choose a simple and intuitive domain name to customize your Crowdmap. We recommend using the following formats to name your map: CountryCrisisYear or CityCrisisYear, e.g., HaitiEarthquake2010. This will allow others to find you more quickly.

4. Sign up here to launch your Crowdmap.

5. Let the world know that you are deploying your Crowdmap:

a). Tweet: "We are deploying a @Crowdmap for the [blank] crisis, please get in touch if you'd like to help! [Add link to your Crowdmap, your organization or website, etc]"

b). Email: Go to the Crisis Crowd Map Google Group to let members know about your Crowdmap deployment so they can spread the word and get involved if you're looking for help.

c). Blog: Keep the word posted on your deployment by writing posts on your blog.

A PDF version of these guidelines are available here.