The app, which works both online and offline, has mapped the world into separate three-by-three metre squares. Each of these squares is named for a combination of three words – this is the area’s what3words address, for example, tortoises.swarm.announce.
It is hoped that someone who calls 999, but is unsure of where exactly they are, will be able to give this address to the Emergency Services, who will then check the What3Words map to verify your location.
“’Where’s the emergency?’ is one of the first questions you are asked when calling 999,” said a spokesperson for BLE. “But saying exactly where you are can be challenging. Services often can’t detect where you are automatically and dropped pins are difficult to explain over the phone.”
“Landmark-based descriptions are prone to errors and GPS coordinates are long and difficult to communicate. At best, this is a frustrating drain on resources. At worst, it can mean the difference between life and death.”
What3Words has already seen local success, including during the structure fire at Beaucette Marina; the app was used to identify the exact location of the building.
Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of What3Words, hopes that the app will ease the stress that having to place a 999 call can bring, by making it easier to provide the necessary information.
“Having to provide additional directions when you’re under immense stress and the clock is ticking is something that we want everyone to avoid,” said Mr Sheldrick. “You never know when an emergency might happen, but with What3Words, you’ll always be able to say exactly where help is needed – quickly and easily,”
“We’re extremely proud and humbled to see What3Words being used successfully in control rooms up and down the country.”
What3Words is free to download for both iOS and Android, is usable online and offline.