what3wordsVerified account

Or is it the case that you must have the app installed in order to find the 3 words? If that's the case why not just use GPS which every modern phone comes with anyway

I’m assuming the folk used what3words for their location and relayed that to the rescuers. Then they can pin point that area and go get them, unless there is another feature for rescue teams we don’t know about. They have mapped out the world using three words at a time.

Yep. But I think the issue is these guys were totally unprepared. The rescue guys had to ask them to download the app. I'm struggling to see why GPS couldn't have worked

Possibly language barrier issue

I guess. But not a great barrier if they were able to direct them to download the app.

Rescue teams use OS grid references for navigation. They can get one from a Three Words reference, but it's just an extra step. I have a free app that gives me a grid ref straight off - OS Locate. No faffing.

I don’t know all details but if (as reported) the group were not from UK then they might not have been familiar with OS grid reference system which is UK specific. Advantage of @what3words is that system is global so one smartphone app works everywhere.

Understood. But if I open maps app on phone (installed by default) it instantly shows location within 1m or so which I can share. Not trying to be awkward, just don't understand benefit of just three words, which also relies on location from phone unless they were unable to share