Innovative Public Safety Smartphone APP

what3words  - Innovative Location Services Technology

The Owen Sound Police Service Emergency Communication Centre has adopted new location services technology that comes in the form of a smartphone app. The communication centre handles 911 calls and dispatches for the Saugeen Shores Police Service and Saugeen Shores Fire Department

The app called ‘what3words’ was developed to assist in determing the precise location of a person.  what3words has divided the world in 3 metre squares and has assigned each square 3 words used to pin point a location. For example the Saugeen Shores Police Service parking lot is assigned the 3 words ///cartoonist.owned.strand.

Users of the app can simply find the 3 words assigned to their location and relay that information to our dispatchers, who also have access to the application's online map.  If you don’t have the app, no problem, our dispatch team will send you a link to download the app allowing you to access the 3 words.  

This application, once downloaded, works offline accessing GPS technology. This is important as places in Saugeen Shores may not be reachable by cell towers, where this is not an issue for GPS. Essentially what3words assists first responders finding you if you are lost anywhere in the world, including off-the-grid.

The use of what3words goes further than utilizing a traditional address to locate a person. The 3 metre square is far more precise and narrows down a search of a larger location to a pin-point.

Anyone can download the app for free on your IOS or Android. An online map is also available at www.what3words.com.

Media Relations Officer

Sergeant Andy Evans