Navigation App

[SpringHeeledJack]

I was reading about this app 'What3words' that attributes 3 words to each 3m x 3m square on the planet, so that one can very accurately find or send a location with super accuracy (supposedly!). What is the benefit, if any, over GPS location ? My simple brain thinks this might just be a gimmick, but if wiser minds could explain, or share their thoughts so much the better.

[jimjim1]

It's the same reason that your pprune username isn't something that lightly trips off the tongue such as :-

51°12'33.6"N 1°09'48.3"W

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=51°12%2733.6"N+1°09%2748.3"W

[Background Noise]

A couple of reasons:

Although it is possible to access geolocation co-ordinates on a phone without what3words it can be difficult for people to relay a long string of digits.

Ms Hawkett required mobile internet access to open the message link and view her location. If people have the what3words app installed on their phone, however, they can view their location without internet access.

[SpringHeeledJack]

So, in effect a grid location system that replaces OS coordinates USGS etc etc with 3 randomly chosen words to facilitate easier communication of/finding of location points, rather than a moving navigation system ?

[Out Of Trim]

Thanks for the heads up!

I hadn't heard of this App before. It is now installed on my mobile; as it may be of some use in a crisis or for fun..