Are you using Google Maps?
Of course you are. It’s incredibly easy to find an address, share a location, and communicate directions — all in just a few taps.
But do you always use Google Maps?
- What if you don’t have a network connection?
- What if you don’t want to save someone’s number just to share a location via WhatsApp?
- What if you’re sending a postal order or filling out a form that doesn’t allow map links?
Despite all the technological advancements, we still fall back on communicating with landmarks.
And it’s not always due to technical limitations. Sometimes, it’s just the extra effort required to fetch and share a Google Maps link.
The Problem with Landmark-Based Directions
Take this example from RedBus. Their boarding locations often include nearby landmarks to guide travelers. But even then, the instructions can be unclear.
Telling a driver “Basement of Tower 14” might make perfect sense to a resident, but for an Uber or Rapido driver unfamiliar with the area, it’s confusing and often frustrating.
What If There Were a Better Way?
Imagine replacing vague landmark-based directions with a precise, easy-to-share code that doesn’t require mobile data or internet access.
There ‘Plus Codes’ become useful.
What Are Plus Codes?
Plus Codes are like digital addresses. They represent locations using a short string of letters and numbers derived from latitude and longitude.
They work globally and are especially useful in areas without formal street addresses.
How to Find a Plus Code
Step 1: Open Google Maps
- Launch the Google Maps app on your device.
Step 2: Drop a Pin
- Navigate to the desired location on the map.
- Touch and hold the spot until a red pin appears.
Step 3: Access the Location Details
- At the bottom of the screen, tap the panel that shows the location’s details.
Step 4: Find the Plus Code
- In the location details, look for the Plus Code as shown in the below image.
- Tap the Plus Code to copy it to your clipboard.
You can share this code just like you would share a traditional address or a map link.
How to find the exact location if you have a Plus Code
Just type the Plus Code into Google Maps, and it will take you to the exact location — no fuss, no confusion.
Plus Codes vs. PIN Codes
You might be wondering if plus codes are like pin codes. The difference lies in the granularity.
- PIN Codes (used for postal services) cover large areas.
- Plus Codes are much more granular — each covers an area of approximately 3 x 3 meters.
This makes them perfect for hyperlocal precision.
Real-World Adoption
Plus Codes are already being used by popular hyperlocal delivery platforms like:
- Zepto
- Licious
- Blinkit
And adoption is fast growing.
There’s even a similar concept by What3Words, which assigns a unique three-word combination to every 3m x 3m square on the planet.
Still Struggling to Share Locations with Landmarks?
It’s time to switch to Plus Codes — a smarter, faster, and more precise way to communicate addresses.
Learn more at maps.google.com/pluscodes
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