Why do I need what3words when I have Google Maps?
Google Maps is a tool for navigation, public transport and for looking up POIs. what3words has a very different function – it’s an easy way to communicate exact locations, whether that’s spoken over the phone or into a car voice navigation system, or typed into a taxi app or a website checkout page.
If you’re given a what3words location, you can open it in the what3words app, then tap ‘Navigate’ and select ‘Google Maps’ to open the exact location in Google Maps and get directions.
Can I type it into Google Maps?
If you’re on a desktop computer, you can install an extension for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox that allows you to type a what3words address into the Google Maps search bar directly. See instructions here .
On a smartphone, simply enter the what3words address into the free what3words app, then tap ‘Navigate’ and select ‘Google Maps’ to open the location in Google Maps.
How is what3words different to sharing a pin?
A location pin is impossible to describe over the phone or radio, to write down, or to enter into a speech recognition system. what3words offers a more flexible way to pass location information between people and machines or devices, online or offline.
You can find handy step-by-step instructions on how to use the what3words app here .
Does the app work without signal?
Without phone signal, the app functions the same as when you have no data connection: you can view the location of any what3words address you enter. You can also navigate to it using compass mode.
To share a what3words address over the phone or in a text message you need phone signal. To load maps, or share in other apps or social media, you need a data connection.
Watch our CEO Chris explain how what3words works offline here .
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in geolocation technologies, I've spent considerable time delving into the intricacies of tools like what3words and Google Maps. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to shed light on the distinctive features and functionalities that make what3words a valuable complement to Google Maps, rather than a redundant tool.
Firstly, let's dissect the core concepts in the provided article:
1. Purpose of what3words and Google Maps:
- Google Maps is primarily a navigation tool, aiding in public transport and providing information on Points of Interest (POIs).
- what3words, on the other hand, serves a distinct function—it facilitates precise location communication, whether spoken, typed, or integrated into various applications.
2. Integration with Google Maps:
- what3words allows users to open a given location in the what3words app and seamlessly navigate to it using Google Maps.
- For desktop users, there's an extension for Chrome and Mozilla Firefox that enables typing what3words addresses directly into the Google Maps search bar.
3. Accessibility on Smartphones:
- On smartphones, users can input a what3words address into the what3words app, then select 'Navigate' and opt for Google Maps to open the location.
4. Distinction from Location Pins:
- what3words offers a more flexible and communicable way to share locations compared to traditional pins.
- Location pins are challenging to describe over the phone, write down, or input into speech recognition systems.
5. Offline Functionality:
- The what3words app works without a phone signal, allowing users to view locations and navigate using compass mode even without a data connection.
- However, for sharing addresses over the phone or text, a phone signal is necessary. Data connection is required for loading maps and sharing on other apps or social media.
6. CEO Explanation:
- The article references a video where the CEO of what3words, Chris, explains how the application functions offline. This likely provides additional insights into the technical aspects of what3words.
In conclusion, what3words isn't a replacement for Google Maps; instead, it enhances the location-sharing aspect, especially in scenarios where precise communication is crucial. The article underscores the unique strengths of what3words, demonstrating its utility in overcoming challenges associated with traditional location pins and providing a more flexible and versatile solution for location-based communication.
