I think most of us have heard about it, from a video where it is claiming it can save lives, by the emergency services using it. 3 words being easier to relay than a massive grid reference.
I'm not convinced, every possible 3 word combination must be used, and the chances of a typo, or mis-hearing over the phone are just as high. (Send three and fourpence, we're going to a dance! etc.)
But It could be useful for birding.. e.g. it's in the bushes at ///dividers.later.widen !
(That one is near you in Bempton area, there's nothing there as far as I know, before I get done for what3word stringing! )
Lol - why remember - just copy and paste - sssshimple!To be honest, I struggle to remember any 3 words! I'm thinking What2words with a resolution of 30m squares, or even 50m squares would be much more useful! I realise I'm arguing with my original post!
Phil - Thank you for your affirmation of an incredible system. Took me exactly 10 secs to see where your home is. How so many people are sceptical just confounds me. Most won't even try to understand how the app works. Would they not take time to understand all the features on a new birding camera?Had been quite sceptical but hadnt appreciated it went as focussed as 3x3 metre squares - my garage is "sulk.prom.improving" whilst my living room is "public.duke.zooms" 😮
Could be a great addition especially in identifying locations in generally featureless open countryside - which will be the first bird information service to use it?
bonxie2003. Your post is so true. Much better than "in the copse one mile west of house" - and yes it DOES work offline! Please, may I ask what this means at the foot of your post:I’m wanting to go and see the hawfinches at Great Hampden. What3words would be so useful rather than in copse one mile west of house. And even better it works offline.
Yes Dave Smith - it does help avoid typos by suggesting close matches. Will eBird be the first to invite members to use the app. Millions of major groups all over the world have done so since it was launched in 2013.WOW - that simple. Thanks Peter.
It also suggests close matches which could help with typos.
Dave
Hi GBM. Many birders keep lists. Above are some of the lists Bonxie keeps. Many people keep garden lists as well.bonxie2003. Your post is so true. Much better than "in the copse one mile west of house" - and yes it DOES work offline! Please, may I ask what this means at the foot of your post:
Latest World lifer: 1642 White-winged Scoter, Fisherrow. 27/10/20
Latest British lifer: 444 White-winged Scoter, Fisherrow. 27/10/20
Latest Scottish lifer: 241 Black Redstart, Dunbar. 15/12/20
Latest East Lothian lifer: 162 Water Rail, Belhaven. 20/1/21
Total newbie to this forum
Gas Bottle Man
Well because birders would potentially use this when out watching birds, and relaying info to other birders, most likely strangers. So it'll be verbally communicated.Lol - why remember - just copy and paste - sssshimple!
i've seen a few people start to use it on twitter.Coming back to this thread, I don't think what3words has taken off in the birding world? Anyone seen it being used, or had a positive experience with it?
The only times I've used grid refs in the last year has been os grid refs from others, or waypoints on my GPS.
There are occasions when a grid ref is preferable to what3words..
For example, if you have the position of a small rare flower, (or nest ), the grid ref allows you to easily work out how close you are in terms of north-south and east-west, compared to your current position, before actually treading on it.
For example if I pointed you in the direction of ///somebody.emeralds.prepare I don’t think you would use less of your brain getting there than if I said (50.7294707, -2.2644989), unless you’re using a sextant to navigate to the latterI don’t really agree with that. Until someone modifies the app so it includes a Star Trek style transporter you’re still going to need to figure out how to get to that random 5m square.
James