INFRASTRUCTURE, LAND & PROPERTY
Get set up in 3 simple steps
1
Select your software
We have plugins available for major platforms and tools.
2
Get an API key
Create a what3words account and select our free tier.
3
Add the what3words extension
Follow the steps to add the what3words extension to your software.
Used by large and small businesses
Prefer to build it yourself?
Our developer pages offer integration guides, API documentation and more to help you create with the what3words API.
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FAQs
There’s no plugin for my GIS platform, can I still add the what3words API to my GIS?
Yes, our Python wrapper makes it straightforward to build a new plugin or bespoke workflow. Get started by watching our tutorial for the Python wrapper . You can also use any of the what3words API wrappers to add what3words API to your GIS platforms. Our what3words API wrappers include: JavaScript, .Net, Java, Python, PHP, Node, Dart.
If you need further support, complete our Software Integration Request form for instructions on how you can request this feature from your software provider.
What are the benefits of using what3words for infrastructure organisations?
what3words enables infrastructure organisations – including local authorities, energy, utility and construction companies – to communicate precise locations quickly and easily. This makes it more efficient to locate teams, assets, sites and services. It also enables more efficient incident reporting, and improves health and safety.
It’s simple to integrate into your existing tools with the API or GIS extensions.
What’s the difference between GPS coordinates, what3words addresses and British National Grid references?
GPS coordinates
what3words addresses are a human-friendly way of giving the same information as 16 digit GPS coordinates:
51.520847, -0.19552100 ←→ /// filled.count.soap
They are easier to remember, and quicker and easier to say over the phone, or to enter into a device or navigation system by voice or text. what3words has error-prevention technology which helps users quickly identify and correct input mistakes.
Using GPS coordinates with what3words
GPS coordinates can be typed into the what3words app or online map at what3words.com to return a what3words address. To see the formats we accept, click here . You can also see the coordinates for any what3words address.
Developers can also use our API to convert between a what3words and GPS coordinates.
The British National Grid reference system (Ordnance Survey)
British National Grid references can be entered into the online map at what3words.com to return a what3words address.
To view the grid reference for a specific what3words address, click ‘Share’, then ‘Customise share settings’ and toggle on British National Grid. You can customise the format to show Eastings and Northings, or 6, 8 and 10-digit grid references. Now, whenever you click Share in the side panel, you’ll see the location’s grid reference in the preview box.
This functionality isn’t available in the what3words app.
How can what3words help my teams manage incident reporting and asset management?
A wide range of infrastructure organisations are using what3words for asset management, reporting incidents and improving health and safety.
By using what3words, Openreach has reduced its engineers’ response times by 50% and for Thames Water, what3words has enabled their teamsit to locate incidents much faster. Hear first-hand from UK Power Networks, Thames Water and Openreach how what3words location technology is helping their teams operate more efficiently.