What3words is a proprietary geocode system that identifies any location on the surface of Earth with a resolution of about 3 meters. The system encodes geographic coordinates into a unique combination of three words, making it easier to communicate precise locations. Every 3-meter square on Earth has been assigned a unique combination of three words, which can be used for e-commerce and delivery, navigation, emergencies, and more. What3words was founded in 2013 by Chris Sheldrick, Jack Waley-Cohen, Mohan Ganesalingam, and Michael Dent, and it was launched in July of that year. The idea for What3words came about when Sheldrick, working as an event organizer, struggled to get bands and equipment to music venues using inadequate address information. Sheldrick tried using GPS coordinates to locate the venues, but decided that words were better than numbers after a one-digit error led him to the wrong location. The company was incorporated in March 2013, and a patent application for the core technology was filed in April of that year. In November 2013, What3words raised $500,000 of seed funding.
To use What3words, one simply needs to give someone their 3-word location over text or phone, without having to share their live or current location through messaging apps. The system is particularly useful in emergency situations, where rescue teams need to know the specific location of someone who is lost or injured. However, it should be noted that while What3words gives a clear and precise location, it does not help with navigation, and it is not a substitute for traditional addresses.
