FAQs
It's very simple: it's a closed system. So their company own the database of words which are mapped to locations and this is not Open Data so the only way of mapping three words to a location, or vice versa, is through their company and its servers. Now I hope you can immediately see the problem with this.
How does what3words actually work? ›
It has divided the world into 3 metre squares and given each one a unique identifier made from three words. what3words can be used via the free mobile app and the online map at what3words.com There's also an API that developers can use to integrate what3words into their own apps and platforms.
How do you use these three words? ›
How to use what3words. Click the search bar, enter a street address, postcode or place name, then select the correct search result. Zoom in, switch to satellite mode and then drag the map to find the exact location you want. Tap the square you need to see its 3 word address displayed in the centre of the screen.
How do you use what 3 words to navigate? ›
Using the online map
- Enter the what3words address into the search bar.
- Select the correct option from the drop down options.
- Click the Navigate button below the search bar.
- Select your preferred navigation site to get directions to the destination.
Compared to current street addressing systems, 3 word addresses are far more accurate, as they refer to a specific 3m x 3m area. As the entire what3words grid is fixed, the 3 word address for a particular location will never change even if buildings or streets are redeveloped.
Does 999 actually use what3words? ›
In an emergency, you should call 999 and give the call handler the what3words address for where help is needed (you will need phone signal to do this – the what3words app cannot pass location information directly to the emergency services).
What is an example of a what three words? ›
It is owned by What3words Limited, based in London, England. The system encodes geographic coordinates into three permanently fixed dictionary words. For example, the front door of 10 Downing Street in London is identified by ///slurs.this.shark. What3words Ltd.
What three words best describe you? ›
Words to Describe Yourself in an Interview
| Resourceful | Focused | Reliable |
|---|
| Motivated | Methodical | Proactive |
| Insightful | Disciplined | Organized |
| Results-oriented | Energetic | Ambitious |
| Engaged | Creative | Persuasive |
8 more rowsJan 23, 2024
Every single what3words address is randomly allocated and permanently fixed – they'll never change. This means our system can work offline, with no need for updates. We've previously considered and tested a system where people could buy words of their own choosing.
Is the What three words app any good? ›
What3Words is used by 100 emergency services but one security researcher has found potential issues. and it's just not a business - Google has a similar tech imbedded in Google maps for free. Unfortunately it's a very big solution (only works at scale) to a very small problem.
We really recommend making an account to get the most from what3words. This will let you save locations, organise favourites with lists, and sync locations across multiple devices. If you are a developer then creating a developer account allows you to create API keys and see usage statistics.
What are three words for my address? ›
- Open the what3words app and tap the current location button, which you can find towards the bottom right, above the satellite mode button. ...
- The what3words address will then display at the top of your screen.
When you enter a street address into Google Maps, it drops a pin into the centre of the building – it can't help you find a precise location, like a specific entrance. what3words addresses help you do just that, and you can use them like you would street addresses. Simple!
What are some examples of navigate? ›
He has learned to navigate in rough waters. The downtown area is easily navigated on foot. She has trouble navigating the stairs with her crutches. It took us 10 minutes to navigate through the parking lot to the exit.
How do I search Google Maps with what3words? ›
what3words Help Centre. Can I search for a what3words address in Google Maps? Can I search for a what3words address in Google Maps? Not at the moment, but you can enter the what3words address into the free what3words app, tap Navigate and then select Google Maps to open the location in Google Maps.
Does what 3 words work without Internet? ›
Yes, we designed it especially that way. Even when you're totally offline, without a data or cellular connection, you can still find the 3 words for your location and navigate to other locations (using Compass mode).
Does the AA use what3words? ›
what3words helps drivers and our contact centre staff to identify an exact breakdown location. By working together, The AA and what3words are using the latest technology to provide drivers with even more peace of mind. Using three everyday words is a smart way to get you back on the road.”
Does Google Maps accept what3words? ›
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.
