OuterSpatial, a platform for parks and recreation organisations, has announced its integration of location technology what3words. The partnership opens up a new world of possibilities for adventure seekers and organisations, enabling users to plot points along hiking trails and coordinate meet-ups in remote locations using just three words.
what3words is revolutionising the way the world communicates location. It has divided the globe into a grid of 10ft x 10ft (3m x 3m) squares, and given each one a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. This means every viewpoint, parking spot, pitch on a campsite, and trailhead has its own what3words address. For example, ///tools.melted.studs takes you to the exact entrance to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park’s campground. California State Parks is the first organisation to utilise the innovative pairing of technologies, and today’s announcement marks another exciting milestone in OuterSpatial’s mission to connect outdoor enthusiasts with nature’s splendour.
what3words technology is now available within the OuterSpatial app, and the what3words addresses for over 40,000 POIs across the country are now displayed alongside their GPS coordinates, enhancing the navigation experience for users across the country. Users can search for what3words addresses using the search bar within the app, and find their current what3words address by clicking on the blue dot displayed on maps throughout the app. Users can also long press anywhere on an OuterSpatial map to discover its what3words address.
While not intended as a replacement for the traditional ‘must-pack’ equipment and resources for road trips, hikes and outdoor adventures, the technology has also become a well-used partner to emergency services around the world.
“Our innovative platform is constantly evolving as we work to empower all park agencies to provide the best possible experience for their users,” commented Ryan Branciforte, Co-founder & CEO of OuterSpatial. “Being able to communicate any precise location or POI with just three words will make navigating through the U.S’s vast parks and dramatic landscapes simple and stress free, ensuring visitors can make the most of every trip.”
“Many sights worth seeing simply do not have a street address,” adds Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO of what3words. “what3words provides a simple solution, and we’re excited by the enormous potential for our system to be utilised within the OuterSpatial platform to help parks and trail organisations deepen their relationships with users, and enhance visitor experiences.”