What3words divides the world into squares, each with a unique three-word address

Re:What3words divides the world into squares, each with a un... by chrischen on Friday August 16, 2019 @04:44AM (#20713278)

So one of the main criticisms is that there is no need for this to be a proprietary thing rather than an open standard. So, why hasn't someone made an open DB of 3 words?

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Re:What3words divides the world into squares, each with a un... by Piskvorrr on Friday August 16, 2019 @04:50AM (#20713302)

Stuff like that exists - Google's Plus Codes, the old and reliable Maidenhead Locator system, etc. The business model here seems to be "we need to market the system aggressively (see article) - if we make the system open, we can no longer profit from it".

In other words, an open system will IMHO languish in obscurity due to lack of marketing funding.

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