The underrated free maps app that everyone should use

If you’re anything like me, you’ve become totally reliant on the maps app on your phone to get around. 

For me, and for most other Android phone users, it’s Google Maps, but you may prefer Apple Maps if you use an iPhone. 

These days, they act like all-in-one guides to pretty much the whole world, combining detailed mapping with navigation, user reviews and even the ability to make bookings. 

However, they’re far from perfect. When meeting friends or family, the main issue I run into is finding that the marked location on Google Maps is different to real life. As a result, I’ve often been unable to find the people I’m meeting, and have resorted to vaguely describing my surroundings on the phone. 

We always find each other in the end, but it causes plenty of frustration and unnecessary stress. We’ve often booked something for a specific time and don’t have a few minutes to waste. 

Of course, there are some locations in which describing your surroundings won’t be much help at all. If you plan to meet in a big park, navigating to it on Google Maps will take you roughly to its centre. From there, your descriptions of concrete paths, trees and open green spaces won’t be much help. 

Fortunately, a solution is available in the form of What3words. As the name suggests, it’s assigned a unique combination of three words to every 3-metre square of the planet – including all land and oceans.  

So, instead of a vague location to meet, such as outside of Bank tube station in London (which has no fewer than 16 entrances and exits!), you can pinpoint the exact spot that works best for everyone. 

Finding the three words for your chosen location is simple. Just download the free What3words app for Android or iPhone, then search for any location. 

This can be as specific as you’d like – What3words recognises postcodes/zip codes, place names and points of interest, just like Google Maps and Apple Maps. Alternatively, just enable location services to see exactly where you are. 

From there, tapping any spot on the map will bring up its unique three words. What3words says that these have been randomly assigned and have no hidden meaning. 

From the app, they can be shared with anyone, saved for future reference or navigated to immediately, though the latter relies on something like Google Maps or Apple Maps for turn-by-turn directions. 

Another cool feature allows you to take a photo of your surroundings, then assign a What3words sticker to it. This is perfect for sharing on social media (assuming you’re in a public place), allowing others to find the same location easily. 

However, the usefulness of What3words goes far beyond avoiding getting lost meeting friends and family. It’s ideal for couriers to make sure they have the right entrance or emergency services to find exactly where you are. Many companies actively encourage using it. 

What3words is primarily a mobile app, but it also works on Apple Watches running watchOS 8 or later and smartwatches running Google’s Wear OS 3 or later. Some car and motorbike makers have built its functionality into their navigation systems, too.

The only real downside of What3words is that it only works at ground level. If you’re lost in a multi-storey shopping mall or tall building, it won’t help you. 

But in pretty much every other navigation scenario, it’s extremely beneficial. And as a free app, you can easily try it for yourself on Android or iPhone.