What3words and the future of georeferencing

Have you ever imagined finding your way anywhere in the world without relying on uncertain addresses, latitude and longitude numbers or complicated codes? Well, know that this solution already exists. And it presents a transformative perspective for the future of georeferencing.

what3words is a location system which aims to simplify physical addresses around the world, by creating a location standard based on three words. It would be a simpler, more user-friendly version of GPS (global positioning system) coordinates.

The W3W divided the world into 57 trillion three-by-three-meter squares and assigned each a unique three-word address, rather than a numbered one. In addition to facilitating navigation, this tool allows a huge sector of the world's population (75% from 135 countries, according to the UN) who have inadequate or very complicated addresses, to be able to access basic services such as mail delivery. It is also a solution that can assist emergency services, as is already being done in the United Kingdom¹.

With a solution like this, everyone in the world, no matter where they live, has an address that locates them.

Some challenges

Of course, some obstacles lie ahead of what3words when it comes to becoming a new global standard for transportation, travel and business technologies. Traditional navigation methods still work relatively well. And what seems to be the biggest dilemma right now: the strict nature of address systems in many places. A system like this would only work on a large scale if everyone switched to it.

Of course, with some companies this exchange would be more agile than with others. It is possible to see FedEx adopting the system with some ease, unlike the Post Office or traditional, rigidly structured government logistics companies. Either way, the W3W idea remains interesting. And you never know what the future holds – or how the service can solve and overcome these obstacles.

How does the idea of what3words relate to network mapping?

Well, just imagine how easy it would be to carry out a feasibility consultation with your client and only have to use 3 words. In addition to the accuracy that a system based on GPS coordinates offers, easily locating the exact square where you want to place the client would allow for much more practical and powerful solutions.

Like other regions of the world, Brazil and Latin America are places that have a high rate of irregular or unassertive addresses by standard systems. In this sense, the possibilities that the emergence of solutions like this bring regarding georeferencing for ISPs located in these places are quite promising.