Print this pageWhat is what3words?
Never get lost again! what3words has divided the globe into 3m squares and given each one a unique 3 word address. It means everywhere can be located with just three words.
For example port.navy.flight will take you to the spire of St Catherine’s church in Cossall. When you see the location, you can choose to navigate there using Google maps, Waze, or Bing maps
what3words is available as a free app for iOS and Android and online map – map.what3words.com. Over 80% of services in the UK now use what3words, including Nottinghamshire police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue and East Midlands Ambulance Service
How to use what3words in an emergency
- Find the 3 word address for your current location on the free what3words app for iOS and Android. It works offline – ideal for areas with unreliable data connection.
- Share your 3 word address over the phone to the call handler.
- The emergency service can then coordinate a response directly to the exact location where help is needed.
What3words can also be used to report incidents with organisations like National Grid, Network Rail and the Environmental Agency. It could be very useful if you need to be found quickly on a footpath or bridle path.
How to use what3words in general
This link to the website will demonstrate its use – Ways to use
Have a bit of fun with it – try putting 3 random words in to the app, see where it takes you!