When you have an emergency at home, at your cottage, out on the Bay, or while hiking, how do you convey your location to emergency services? The what3words app is a useful tool that, once downloaded, is easy to use. The what3words (w3w) system divides the globe into 3-meter by 3-meter squares, providing each square with a unique three-word identifier. For example, ballet.renewals.storage will locate you at the south-eastern tip of Franklin Island and overwhelms.minders.housework will place you in the middle of Huckleberry Island. This identification method is more accurate than current street addressing systems as it refers to a fixed grid that will never change even if buildings, areas or streets are redeveloped.
Why not just use GPS coordinates?
The app works by triangulating to cell towers, so why not just use the GPS on your phone? Say, for example, you have an emergency on Franklin Island near Mirror Lake. The w3w location of expires.trail.extroverted is easier and quicker to communicate versus the GPS coordinates of 45°23’30.4″N 80°20’58.8″W for that location.
What services are using the w3w app?
Emergency services such as fire, Ontario Provincial Police, 911 operators and South and Central Ontario CAA are examples of services that use and respond to what3words. The Carling Township Fire Department endorses the use of the w3w app. Gord Harrison, Carling Township’s Fire Chief, uses the app to pinpoint locations and says it is particularly useful for motor vehicle incidents where no address is available.
How do I find my w3w location if I am away from my house or cottage and I am unsure of my exact location (e.g., hiking or boating)
Open the app on your phone, and you will see a map where your location is pinpointed. There are two views available – satellite and map styles. The icons for the two views are in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. In the upper left-hand corner of the screen, you will find the three words you will need to repeat to the emergency operator.
How do I find the location of my home or cottage?
You can follow the same process above to learn your w3w code for your home or cottage while you are physically present at your home or cottage.
To find the w3w code for a location you are currently not at, follow the process below.
Once you have opened the app:
Click on the menu (3 lines at the top left of the screen)
Click on Discover features
Click on Search a what3words address
Click on Try now
In the Search bar on the next screen, type in the address you want to identify (e.g., 4 West Wind Trail or 1 Island 65C Nobel). An interactive map will appear, and you can find your property on it. You will get a satellite view if you click on the globe icon on the lower right. You can pick the part of the property (or dock) you want to use as the reference point. Once you have chosen your location-specific three words, share them with family and visitors and post them in a visible location in your home or cottage. You will repeat this code once you have contacted help so that they can identify your location and send help.
What does it cost to use the app?
The what3words app and website www.what3words.com are free of charge. Income comes from businesses using the app. The w3w app is easy and quick to use – it just might make the difference and save critical minutes when you or your family need assistance.
