Introducing First-Party Logins for CalTopo

As a small growing company, we’ve historically used OpenID to verify user identity. OpenID is a log in process which facilitates third party verification of a user by established login procedures. Our current third party offerings include Google, Apple, Microsoft and Yahoo. It’s long been on our radar to create our own username and password logins. Like so many things, it sounds simple in theory but is actually much more complicated to implement in practice. We’re excited to share that after toiling away behind the scenes, CalTopo’s first party logins are now live.

What are First Party Logins?

First party logins are the ability to use an email and password combo to log into CalTopo going forward. This will not require the use of any other third party website to log in, and CalTopo will directly verify user identity.

The log in and account creation process will look very similar to what you are used to, with some new considerations:

Do you have an existing CalTopo Account?

As an existing CalTopo user with an account, you do not need to take any action. However, if you would like to use CalTopo’s own email/password log in going forward; as opposed to a current third party log in like Google or Microsoft, you can change this all on our site/app.

You will likely need to start by logging out of your account if your browser or app remembers your information.
When you select “sign up” in the upper right hand corner of the site you will be presented with the option to set up an account using an email. If this email matches an account already on file, the two log-ins will automatically link to the same account.
Double check that your data and subscription are working and you are set!

If you previously had more than one account under the same email (ie. one with Microsoft and one with Apple), you can still go through this same process.

Set up the log in under your username and password, you will be prompted to merge all existing accounts under that email.
Confirm if this is what you wish to do, or email us at help@caltopo.com with any questions.

Are you a new CalTopo user?

Welcome! To get started you will go to CalTopo.com/join. You have a few choices on how to set up your account.

You can set up using your email and any password you like through our CalTopo Open ID log in.
Or you can use one of our third party log in providers, such as Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo or others.

If you want to log in using a different provider than you initially set up the account with in the future, just start a new log in using the same email and the two log in’s will be automatically linked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have two (or more) accounts with two different emails (both owned by the same person). What should I do?
- Email us at help@caltopo.com. We can help!
Why is my email showing a long string of numbers and letters @privaterelay.appleID.com?
- This is a setting that has been enabled in your Apple ID account to hide your email from other sites. Email us at help@caltopo.com for assistance.
I can’t remember how I logged in before, how can I find out?
- Try entering your email as a new CalTopo user using our new Username/Password log in option. If you have another account under that email it will automatically link. If you don’t see it after this step, send us an email and we can assist.
I like the way I currently log in, do I need to change anything?
- No! If you are happy logging in the way you always have, no changes need to be made. Continue as you have in the past.
What happens if I forget my password or need to change my password with the new First Party login?
- You can select “Forgot password” at log in and go through the automated process via email to change or re-set your password. You can also change your password on the web while logged in, at the online account dialogue. If you are using third party logins, passwords will be reset through the password provider.