Mapping gimmick uses three-word addresses instead of streets and numbers

A new app has divided the globe into 57 trillion 3m by 3m squares and labelled each area with just three words.

The what3words app has assigned each square a simple three word address to help make finding locations more accurate and memorable.

For example, the address for the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park, London is “union.prop.enjoy” and entering those three words on the what3words mobile app or website will give a precise location for the statue.

The company claims that what3words often gives a more accurate location than an address street name, number and postcode, and could be useful for people trying to find a new location.

What3words is expected to be incorporated into Sat Nav systems in the coming months and the company hope the app could stop people getting lost and improve the delivery industry.

Chief executive of the company Chris Sheldrick said: “Telling people 3 simple words is much easier than giving a full address and explanation of how to find a precise location. It’s also much more memorable.”

The app covers the whole of the globe, including oceans, with equal precision and so users can also find their friends easily.

Mr Sheldrick said: “For example, festival-goers this summer won’t have the same problems as the thousands at Glastonbury who struggled to find their tents at the weekend. Music fans will be able to pinpoint the exact location of their tent – and their friends’ – with just 3 words.”

User can also buy a OneWord for 99p, which is any chosen name preceded by an asterisk that they can then assign to a chosen location.

Mr Sheldrick said: “The Prime Minister might buy *10DowningSt for the door to his house. His wife might prefer something less formal like *daveandsamcam, perhaps.”