What3words
what3words is a geocoding system that divides the world into 3 meter squares and assigns each square a unique 3 word address. It allows people to easily share their precise location.
geocoding
mapping
location
coordinates
navigation
what3words: Geocoding System with Unique 3 Word Addresses
what3words is a geocoding system that divides the world into 3 meter squares and assigns each square a unique 3 word address, enabling easy location sharing.
What is What3words?
what3words is a geocoding system that has divided the world into 3 meter squares and assigned each square a unique 3 word identifier. For example, the square that contains the front door of 10 Downing Street in London has been assigned the 3 word address ///slurs.this.shark.
This system allows people to share their precise location in an easy to say and remember way using just 3 words. The what3words app and online map allow you to convert 3 word addresses into coordinates or find the 3 word address for any location. The system is far simpler than trying to share latitude and longitude coordinates.
what3words is available in over 45 languages and works offline. It was designed to make it easier for people to describe precisely where help or services are needed. what3words addresses are short, memorable and unambiguous so they are easier for voice communication in difficult situations.
Common situations what3words helps improve communication around locations include last mile delivery services communicating destinations to drivers, emergency services being directed to exactly the right place, tourists requesting taxis or guides to hard to describe spots, and general ease of sharing meeting points in urban or rural locations.
What3words Features
Features
- Divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a unique 3 word address
- Allows people to identify and share precise locations using just 3 words
- Available as a mobile app and online map interface
- Supports voice input for addresses
- Provides APIs for integration into other apps and services
Pricing
- Free
- Freemium
- Subscription-Based
Pros
Easy to remember and share location addresses
More precise than street addresses
Works offline
Wide language support
Free for consumers
Cons
Requires app download or web access
Limited adoption so far
Addresses can change over time
Paid APIs for commercial use
Limited to predefined 3 word dictionary
Official Links
The Best What3words Alternatives
Top Travel & Location and Geocoding & Mapping and other similar apps like What3words
Here are some alternatives to What3words:
Suggest an alternative ❐
QGIS
QGIS is a professional open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software for working with maps and geospatial data. It is licensed under the GNU Public License. QGIS allows you to view, edit, analyze, process, and visualize spatial data in various formats including shapefiles, GeoTIFFs, PostGIS, SpatiaLite, GPX, and more. It supports...
Global Mapper
Global Mapper is a powerful and easy-to-use Geographic Information System (GIS) software application for working with spatial data. Developed by Blue Marble Geographics, it supports a wide range of raster, vector, and elevation data formats allowing users to integrate spatial data from different sources for viewing, editing, analysis and conversion.Key...
MapInfo Professional
MapInfo Professional is a desktop geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Pitney Bowes for working with location-based data. It allows users to visualize, analyze, compile, and distribute spatial data.Key features of MapInfo Professional include:Interactive mapping - Easily create professional maps with layers, labels, scales, legends etc.Spatial analysis - Perform...
ArcGIS
ArcGIS is a robust and comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Esri. It provides a range of capabilities for creating, managing, analyzing, and sharing geospatial data and maps across desktop, mobile, web, and enterprise systems.Key features of ArcGIS include:Advanced geospatial analysis tools for proximity analysis, geocoding, routing, terrain...
SAGA GIS
SAGA GIS (System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses) is a free and open source geographic information system (GIS) software used for editing and analyzing spatial data. It contains a large set of geoscientific analysis functions and utilities for managing vector, raster and table data.Some key features of SAGA GIS include:Support for...
SuperGIS
SuperGIS is a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) software developed by SuperMap. It provides a wide range of capabilities for working with maps and geographic data including:Data Capture and Management - SuperGIS can import, manage and analyze spatial data from various sources. It supports vector, raster, CAD, databases, lidar, BIM...
CartoDB
CartoDB is an open source platform for building location intelligence applications. It provides capabilities for spatial data storage, visualization, analysis, and publishing. Key features include:User-friendly drag and drop interface for creating interactive maps and dashboardsVisualization of geospatial datasets such as points, lines, and polygonsOptions for customizing maps with different basemaps,...
OpenGeo Suite
OpenGeo Suite is a comprehensive open source geospatial software stack used for building spatial data infrastructures and deploying web mapping applications. It brings together key open source geospatial components like PostGIS, GeoServer, GeoWebCache, and GeoExplorer into a single integrated suite.Some key capabilities and features of OpenGeo Suite include:PostGIS for spatial...
GvSIG Desktop
gvSIG Desktop is a free and open source geographic information system (GIS) software designed for capturing, storing, processing, analyzing and disseminating geospatial data. It is developed by the gvSIG Association and released under the GNU General Public License.Some key features of gvSIG Desktop include:Support for viewing and editing vector and...
MICRODEM
MICRODEM is an open source Geographic Information System (GIS) software application designed specifically for analyzing and modeling terrain data. It was originally developed in the 1990s by Peter Guth of the United States Naval Academy.Some of the key features and capabilities of MICRODEM include:Specialized analysis and modeling functions for hydrological,...
MapWindow GIS
MapWindow GIS is a free and open-source geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Idaho State University. It allows users to view, manage, edit, analyze, and visualize spatial data for a wide range of applications. Some key features of MapWindow GIS include:Support for common data formats like shapefiles, rasters, .Net...
OpenCage Geocoder
OpenCage Geocoder is an open-source geocoding API service that converts addresses, place names and other location references into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). It allows developers to add location search and reverse geocoding features to their applications.Some key features of OpenCage Geocoder include:Forward geocoding - convert locations like 'New York...
GeoNode
GeoNode is a free and open source platform built with Django that facilitates the creation, sharing, and collaborative use of geospatial data. It provides a standardized way to publish spatial datasets and metadata, allowing researchers, organizations, and citizens to easily share maps, data, and stories online.Some key features of GeoNode...
Google Maps Engine
Google Maps Engine is a cloud-based mapping platform launched by Google in 2012. It allows users to store, visualize and share geographic data by creating custom maps.Some key features of Google Maps Engine include:Ability to upload spreadsheet data, KML files, geoJSON files to create layers on a mapConnect to external...
Mapnik
Mapnik is an open-source toolkit for developing mapping applications. It provides the functionality to take spatial data inputs, apply cartographic styling rules and symbolization, and render high-quality maps.Some key features and capabilities of Mapnik include:Access to many common spatial data formats such as shapefiles, PostGIS, SQLite, GeoJSON, KML, and others.Flexible...
GeoSheets
GeoSheets is a cloud-based geographic information system (GIS) software designed for creating interactive maps and analyzing spatial data. Some key features of GeoSheets include:Intuitive drag-and-drop interface to import, visualize and edit geospatial data from a variety of sources like Excel, CSVs, databases, APIs etc.Powerful yet easy-to-use tools for geocoding, spatial...
GRASS GIS
GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is a free and open source geographic information system (GIS) software suite used for geospatial data management, analysis, graphics and maps production, spatial modeling, and visualization.Some key features of GRASS GIS include:Powerful raster, vector, and geospatial processing tools for analysis and data conversionAbility...
Mapline
Mapline is an open-source, self-hosted web application that allows users to create custom maps for free. It is an alternative to proprietary services like Google My Maps.Some key features of Mapline include:Ability to add markers, lines, shapes, and text notes to your mapsSupport for multiple layers on a single mapOptions...
Plus.codes
plus.codes is an open-source addressing system developed by Google that assigns a short alphanumeric code to any location on earth. It can be used for addressing and navigation purposes.Some key features of plus.codes:Easy to use, remember and communicate - plus codes are much shorter and simpler than street addressesWorks offline...
Maptitude
Maptitude is a desktop Geographic Information System (GIS) software developed by Caliper Corporation. It provides tools for creating interactive maps, performing spatial analysis, managing geographic data, and generating reports.Key features of Maptitude include:Interactive mapping - Allows users to create professional-quality maps with layers, labels, scale bars, north arrows, etc.Data visualization...
TatukGIS Editor
TatukGIS Editor is a free and open source desktop geographic information system (GIS) application designed for viewing, editing, and analyzing spatial data. Some key features of TatukGIS Editor include:User-friendly interface for creating, importing, editing, and exporting vector and raster spatial dataAdvanced editing and topology tools for working with points, lines,...
Geoconcept
Geoconcept is a desktop geographic information system (GIS) software designed for working with geospatial data and making maps. It provides a wide range of features and tools for creating, editing, analyzing, visualizing, and publishing geographic information.With Geoconcept, users can import, manage, and analyze various types of spatial data including vector...
Azimap GIS
Azimap GIS is an open-source geographic information system (GIS) software application used to create, edit, visualize, analyze and publish geospatial information. It enables users to work with both raster and vector data, including the ability to create, edit and manage spatial datasets.Key features of Azimap GIS include:Interactive map display with...
TdhGIS
TdhGIS is an open-source geographic information system (GIS) software application developed by Terre des hommes (Tdh), an international NGO focused on humanitarian aid for children. It is designed specifically for public health professionals to map and analyze data to improve programs and policies.Key features of TdhGIS include:Interactive and dynamic mapping...
MapLarge
MapLarge is an intuitive and flexible mind mapping and brainstorming application. As an open-source, cross-platform solution, MapLarge can be used on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.At its core, MapLarge allows users to visually organize ideas, notes, tasks, and concepts into node-based maps. Nodes can contain text, images, links,...
Manifold
Manifold is a specialized 3D modeling and surface design software for Windows. It excels at creating smooth, flowing, organic 3D forms and manipulated surfaces for artistic purposes.Some key features of Manifold include:Powerful tools for sculpting, bending, twisting, and deforming surfacesIntuitive interface for manipulating control vertices and polygonsAdvanced smoothing, filleting, and...
GeniusGIS
GeniusGIS is an open-source geographic information system (GIS) software application used for creating, editing, visualizing, analyzing and publishing geospatial data. It provides a user-friendly interface and powerful tools for working with maps and geographic information.Some key features of GeniusGIS include:Interactive map creation and editingAdvanced geospatial analysis and modeling toolsSupport for...
3geonames
3geonames is an open source gazetteer web service that provides access to a large database of geographical names and features from around the world. It allows users to search for places and locations by name, postal code, IP address and other identifiers to get relevant geographic data.Some of the key...
ESRI Geoportal Server
ESRI Geoportal Server is an open source software application used to stand up geospatial clearinghouse portals for managing and discovering metadata and associated geospatial resources. It provides a standards-based metadata catalog that allows users to publish, search, and access geospatial resources such as datasets, rasters, and web services.Key features of...
Spatial Feature Server
Spatial Feature Server (SFS) is an open-source web mapping software designed for publishing, editing and visualizing spatial data. It is built on open standards like WFS and WMS published by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).Key capabilities and benefits of Spatial Feature Server include:Publishing vector and raster data as web servicesSupport...
