Navigation

What3Words - What Is It And How Does It Work ?

Three Words That Can Tell People Where You Are ...

This insane free app called What3words is the entire world divided into 3-metre-by-3-metre squares, with every square assigned its own unique combination of three words.

Instead of trying to communicate a long string of GPS coordinates, you can use three simple words to identify a very specific location.
These three words can be shared, via various methods, to anybody. Many emergency services now use this app too to locate people when lost.

It's phone or web browser based and anyone who enters those same three given words at their end can pinpoint your exact location. Down to a metre or two away.
Imagine you've broken down on an isolated track, someone has been injured or you simply need assistance.

Trying to describe your location might be difficult :

"We're somewhere along the track past the creek, about five kilometres from the main road, near a big rocky outcrop..."
Not exactly ideal if someone is trying to find you.

With What3words, you can provide the three words associated with your location, which can then be entered into the What3words system to identify that particular 3-metre square on the map.

How It Works

Your phone's GPS/GNSS receiver uses satellite signals to determine your physical location.

What3words then identifies the corresponding 3-metre-by-3-metre square and gives it its unique three-word address.

So, essentially :

Satellites determine your location → your phone knows where you are → What3words gives that location three words.

The GPS positioning itself doesn't require mobile coverage.
However, if you're completely out of mobile range, you'll still need some form of communication to send those three words to someone else — such as a satellite communication device or another suitable means of communication.

What3words is therefore a very useful way of describing your location, but it isn't a replacement for a satellite communicator,
PLB or other emergency communication device.

When Things Go Wrong

Hopefully, you'll never need any of this.
But when you're hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town, things can go wrong very quickly.

A vehicle can break down. A tyre can be destroyed. You can get bogged. Someone can have an accident. Weather can turn nasty. Or one wrong turn can put you somewhere you didn't expect to be.
When that happens, knowing your exact location becomes extremely important.

Being able to provide rescuers or fellow travellers with accurate GPS coordinates or a What3words location could save valuable time and give them a much better idea of exactly where you are.

This app can be used in conjunction with other apps and can give some peace of mind to new adventurers out there.

If you're interested in What3Words, it's available where you get your apps in both apple and android systems.
( please note - this is not a paid ad nor do I have any commercial or financial interest in the app - just sharing it to others )