Adrian JohnsonTLDR:
- A new ‘3-word’ technology is being used for 911 calls in Kennesaw, Georgia.
- The technology assigns a unique three-word address to every 3-meter by 3-meter square in the world, making it easier for emergency services to locate callers.
A new ‘3-word’ technology is being used for 911 calls in Kennesaw, Georgia. This technology assigns a unique three-word address to every 3-meter by 3-meter square in the world, making it easier for emergency services to locate callers. The technology, called what3words, can pinpoint locations more accurately than traditional street addresses, which can sometimes be ambiguous or hard to find. The system has divided the world into 57 trillion squares, and each square is assigned a combination of three random words. For example, a specific spot on a Kennesaw sidewalk might be identified as “table, clock, chair.” This technology has been increasingly adopted by emergency services around the world, and it is hoped that using it for 911 calls in Kennesaw will help to improve response times and save lives.
Kennesaw Police Chief Bill Westenberger stated that the new technology has already been used successfully in some emergency calls. In one instance, a Kennesaw resident was able to use the three-word address provided by what3words to accurately describe her location to dispatchers, who were then able to locate her quickly. Westenberger believes that the use of this technology will greatly benefit both emergency services and citizens in Kennesaw, reducing response times and providing a more efficient and accurate emergency response.
What3words has gained popularity and recognition globally as a useful tool for addressing locations that lack traditional street addresses, such as remote areas or informal settlements. The company claims that using three words for addresses is easier for people to remember and communicate, even in stressful situations. In addition to emergency services, what3words has also been utilized by postal services, delivery companies, and navigation systems.
Despite the advantages of this new technology, some concerns have been raised regarding potential challenges in transitioning to this system. Critics argue that the new addressing system may be confusing for some individuals who are accustomed to traditional street addresses and may not be familiar with the three-word format. However, proponents of the technology argue that it can be easily learned and quickly adopted, especially with increased awareness and education campaigns.
Overall, the use of ‘3-word’ technology for 911 calls in Kennesaw is seen as a positive step towards improving emergency response and increasing the accuracy of location identification. This innovative approach aims to address the limitations of traditional addressing systems and provide a more efficient and reliable method for locating individuals in need of emergency assistance.