What are your thoughts on what3words?

Posted by OneLastPrep@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 11 comments

Our CERT training recommended it and at the time I thought it was dumb. We already have latitude and longitude. Why do I need three random words that do not mean anything unless someone else has the app?

Fast forward to last night.

We were driving down the highway when a blinding storm hit. Hail knocked out my windshield wipers, visibility went to zero, and while trying to get to the shoulder, we ended up in the median facing oncoming headlights with my kids in the car.

There were no crossroads nearby, we were sitting in water, and I couldn’t tell if the tires were flat. I called the police and gave them our what3words location. To my surprise, they had it, dispatched a Sheriff, checked us out, and let me follow his lights to a gas station so we could get off the road safely.

G-d keeps us humble. I am very glad I downloaded the stupid app.

I know what3words has fair critics. Some dispatchers do not like it. Homophones or misheard words can send responders to a completely different location. It is not open source. And there are concerns about depending on a private app for emergency location data when coordinates already exist.

So I’m curious: where do you land on it? Useful backup tool, overhyped tech solution, or something in between?

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Michaelalayla@reddit

Did the mods just delete an ad for this?

OneLastPrep@reddit (OP)

This got auto removed because so many people reported it. I don't see a single post about this app in this sub in the last year. I'm happy to send the mods a screenshot of my 911 call last night if anyone needs proof. This isn't an ad. I don't care if you don't use it.

uncleconker@reddit

I think W3W is way better when trying to communicate an exact location via voice, when text/email/other means of sending a text-based message are not available. Clarifying homophones will be much quicker/easier than trying to read out a string of numbers to a dispatcher or other person through radio communication. I also find it pretty unlikely that a homophone's location would be in the same county, let alone the same state.

silasmoeckel@reddit

You called 911 and they already have your location. This app adds nothing and just wastes time. If you need to give a location make sure you know how to get a lat/long from your phone and onboard navigation. While your at it make sure to load up local topo base maps if possible.

That's what I thought but they wanted me to state me location so I can to stop and fiddle with the app while sitting in the standing water. I wasn't thrilled but I'm also not going to argue with them in that situation.

Correct they still ask for it to double check.

sirbassist83@reddit

> I thought it was dumb. We already have latitude and longitude.

hadnt heard of it before, but after looking it up i agree with this statement.

axolotl_fart@reddit

Three words in the local language (W3W supports many I believe) are less likely to be misunderstood when spoken than a string of digits. Assuming you’re in a spot and time with good coverage from GPS satellites, you get your location within 3 m. If the emergency services support it, W3W is great if you need to communicate your location verbally. If emergency services do not use W3W, it is easy to revert to latitude and longitude.

I like W3W

0/10 would not use emergency seconds on this again