An Address for Every Place on Earth: Chris Sheldrick of What3Words Interview on Geolocation & GIS

We take addresses for granted - but billions of people and places don't have them, and it's a big problem. Whether it's voting, disaster relief, or pinpointing a spot on festival grounds, not having an address makes things that should be simple difficult. Enter What3Words co-founder Chris Sheldrick, who coordinated events in the music industry where he was frustrated by address-related problems. He created What3Words, a method of dividing the entire world into 3 meter-by-3 meter squares using a set of three common words as global addresses. It's being used everywhere from Mongolia to South Africa for everything from emergency services to pizza delivery. In this interview, Chris Sheldrick describes the problem, how he came up with the idea, and how you can find ways to change the world on your own.

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[milu]

This is so awesome, I had no ideea about this subject!! Awesome job, love your content!

[boudivv]

The thread is that there are at least 3 alternative solutions. The best I know is the 'natural address' system. The most promising is the system google developed (plus.codes) what is integrated in maps. Googles strength is the marketing power of maps.

[renderdreality]

This is absolutly the most amazing thing I have seen, love how humans can come up with the most amazing solutions.

[ItsFoux]

This is a great idea. As a homeless person, this could help in many ways.

[nelsonlouis]

Just out of curiosity wouldn't there be places that have cuss words in them? Or do they just ignore them

[oceanwonders]

OH GOD I LOVE THIS! I'd forgotten about it.

[WithYouIDisagree]

Doesn't a single building have many addresses under this system then? How do you find the one to use?

[BranMuffin]

I only wish I didn’t have to have an address

[alfredhitchcock]

I thought they're giving out fake free address

[erinbecker]

I feel bad for whoever's house is sitting at Eat.My.Ass or