Avenza Maps is a mobile mapping app and navigation tool that allows people to locate themselves on maps without an internet connection or network connectivity. Its extensive range of features is used by outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers who use digital maps on their smartphones and tablets. Avenza Maps is also widely used by professionals including forestry workers, wildland firefighters and search and rescue teams for location, to plot and to record placemarks, photos, and information.

Now that it has integrated what3words, Avenza Maps users around the world can use precise what3words addresses directly in the Avenza Maps app, making it even easier to explore new destinations and navigate the globe. The addition of what3words to the long list of available coordinate systems in the app will enable users to set accurate waypoints, plot their favorite points along hiking trails or cycling routes. Users can also easily identify their own location in extreme situations and report their precise location to potential rescuers, all using just three words.

what3words is a simpler way to talk about location. It has divided the world into 3m squares and given each a unique 3-word address. It is used by thousands of businesses in over 170 countries and by individuals to find and share precise locations, from specific building entrances to natural beauty spots or geographical landmarks – using just three words. supply.founders.outreach, for example, is the 3-word address for the front entrance to Avenza Systems’ head office in Midtown, Toronto.

“what3words is a revolutionary concept that makes location information simple and accessible to everyone without the need for knowledge of complicated co-ordinate systems, numbering, and terminology,” says Ted Florence, CEO of Avenza Systems, Inc. “Our vision for Avenza Maps has always been to make everything about using maps easier and integrating what3words does just that.”

For many people, GPS coordinates can be difficult to remember or communicate accurately without mistakes. Avenza Maps has integrated what3words so its users can input location data into the app using a simpler, more human-friendly format of just three dictionary words. what3words Autosuggest technology will also help them to spot input errors quickly, ensuring they get directions exactly where they want to go, the first time.

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Avenza Maps offline functionality with the new what3words feature provides an innovative way to discover remote spots in the wilderness, find unmarked roads, or share epic, off-grid camping spots that may previously have been hard to describe, share or navigate to with precision, all without the need for a data connection.

Chris Sheldrick, what3words CEO says - “Avenza Maps’ advanced offline GIS capabilities allow millions of people to do the things they love, and help organisations and emergency services to perform critical operations whilst out in the field. I’m very excited that what3words has been integrated into this indispensable tool. Following the rapid adoption of what3words by most UK emergency services, there’s enormous potential for our addressing system to be used within Avenza Maps to help international police, fire, ambulance and rescue teams, around the world, locate those in need faster - and save precious time, resources and lives, every day.”