Is anybody familiar with the what3words app? A friend just sent me this story about its use in a search and rescue operation.
Software developers have created the what3words app, which divides the Earth's surface into trillions of 3 meter x 3 meter squares, each identified by a unique combination of three words. Reportedly the verbal identifiers are easier to use than the digital identifiers of GPS coordinates. When cell phone service is available, the app will link to either Google Maps or Apple Maps.
I'm skeptical. What's wrong with good ol' latitude and longitude? It's a universal system with a long history of development. The possibility of confusion or transposed digits is a non-issue when coordinates are transmitted via devices such as Zoleo or InReach, or when rescue services can triangulate the coordinates from a cell phone signal. What3words is no help unless both the rescuer and rescuee are using the system, and then only in areas where a signal is available.
Seems to me the hiker in this article was just another clueless and unprepared individual relying on an electronic device, rather than his own skills, to get him out of a jam. Darwin has been thwarted again.
Rescuers turn to 3 words to find lost hikers
The what3words app, which works with Google and Apple Maps, simplifies GPS coordinates into easy-to-remember words. Fire and rescue agencies across Central and Southwest Virginia have started to use the app.
cardinalnews.org
Software developers have created the what3words app, which divides the Earth's surface into trillions of 3 meter x 3 meter squares, each identified by a unique combination of three words. Reportedly the verbal identifiers are easier to use than the digital identifiers of GPS coordinates. When cell phone service is available, the app will link to either Google Maps or Apple Maps.
I'm skeptical. What's wrong with good ol' latitude and longitude? It's a universal system with a long history of development. The possibility of confusion or transposed digits is a non-issue when coordinates are transmitted via devices such as Zoleo or InReach, or when rescue services can triangulate the coordinates from a cell phone signal. What3words is no help unless both the rescuer and rescuee are using the system, and then only in areas where a signal is available.
Seems to me the hiker in this article was just another clueless and unprepared individual relying on an electronic device, rather than his own skills, to get him out of a jam. Darwin has been thwarted again.