One of the apps that impressed me over the past few weeks is the What 3 words app.
We are all aware of google maps and use it in our car navigation systems with ease to get from one place to another.
So, what is special about what3words?
What3words essentially points to a very specific location. The app divides the world into 57 trillion squares, each measuring 3m by 3m (10ft by 10ft) and each having a unique, randomly assigned three–word address.
For example – door, seldom, wonderful can be three unique words that point to a specific location on earth (including water and land).
None of the words or word sets are repeated.
How is it useful?
Download the app. Your location is tracked automatically. When you have a car breakdown or are in danger, communicating your exact location becomes easier. Emergency services can trace you to the exact point easily. They are the first ones that have started using it.
Car manufacturers have started using it in the in-built navigation systems to better predict the exact location of the address.
Uber and delivery systems can better predict the exact location within 10 feet of pickup and delivery locations.
Location trackers for cell phones, ID and safety cards for employees, remote controls in homes… the more I think about it, the possibilities seem endless.
Does it integrate with google maps?
The what3words grid can be displayed on top of a Google Map by passing GeoJSON data to the maps Dataobject. Because only a segment of grid section can be requested, we need to obtain a new grid section each time the map is panned or zoomed. For more information -> https://developer.what3words.com/tutorial/displaying-the-what3words-grid-on-a-google-map
App links
Download app from App store -> https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words/id657878530
Download app from Google store -> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&hl=en_US&gl=US
Imagine the possibilities when every single one of us in the world in our own locations can be identified by a unique set of three words!