Why teams use what3words addresses alongside GPS coordinates
Coordinates are useful for systems. They are precise, structured and widely used across mapping, navigation and GIS tools. But they are not always easy for people to use in conversation, especially when a location needs to be shared quickly with a colleague, contractor, customer or visitor.
That is where what3words addresses can help.
what3words divides the world into 3 metre squares and gives each square a unique three-word address. It gives teams a simple way to refer to precise places – like a gate, street lamp or loading bay – while still keeping the coordinate data they need for technical systems.
When coordinates are still the right format
GPS coordinates, grid references and other coordinate systems are important for mapping, analysis, records and software. A GIS team may need WGS 84 latitude and longitude. A UK site plan might use British National Grid. A project file may contain UTM coordinates.
Those formats should not disappear. They are often the source of truth for technical workflows.
When a what3words address is useful
A what3words address can be useful when the location needs to be shared with someone who is not working directly inside a mapping system.
For example, teams may use a what3words address for:
- a site entrance
- a delivery or collection point
- an asset location
- a meeting point
- a temporary work area
- a hard-to-describe place without a clear street address
This can make precise locations easier to say, write down, check and share.
Converting coordinates into what3words addresses
The what3words Coordinate Converter lets you convert coordinates into what3words addresses, either one at a time or in batches of up to 100. It also supports conversion between formats including British National Grid, OS Grid References, UTM, MGRS, USNG, Web Mercator, WGS 84 formats, Plus Codes and Geohashes.
For teams working regularly with what3words addresses, what3words Pro can also help create and share saved location lists, bulk save locations, add labels, export saved locations and plan routes between what3words addresses.