Plus Codes

Overview of Plus Codes

Plus Codes is Google's innovative digital addressing system that provides universal location identification for every place on Earth. Unlike traditional street addresses that rely on road networks and building numbers, Plus Codes use latitude and longitude coordinates converted into simple alphanumeric codes. This open-source solution creates addresses for locations that previously had none – from remote rural areas to dense informal settlements – enabling millions of people to receive mail, access emergency services, and participate in civic life for the first time.

The system serves governments, humanitarian organizations, and individuals who need reliable location identification where conventional addressing fails. By providing a free, globally consistent addressing standard, Plus Codes bridges the gap between digital mapping and physical location access. This technology has proven particularly valuable for emergency response and is widely used in offline mapping scenarios for delivery services and social service provision in underserved communities worldwide.

How to Use Plus Codes

Using Plus Codes is straightforward: simply visit Google Maps and right-click any location to generate its unique Plus Code. The system automatically converts GPS coordinates into a short, shareable code format that works both online and offline. You can share these codes via text message, email, or verbally, and recipients can enter them into any mapping application to pinpoint the exact location. The resolution adjusts by adding characters after the plus sign, allowing you to specify anything from a building entrance to an entire neighborhood with precision.

Core Features of Plus Codes

1. Global Coverage – Provides addresses for every location on Earth, including remote and unmapped areas
2. Offline Functionality – Works without internet connection using basic GPS capabilities
3. Language Independence – Uses 20 unambiguous alphanumeric characters excluding vowels and confusing symbols
4. Open Source Technology – Free to create, use, and implement without licensing restrictions
5. Variable Precision – Adjustable area resolution by modifying characters after the plus sign

Use Cases for Plus Codes

• Emergency service response coordination in rural and underserved areas
• Home delivery services for locations without formal street addresses
• Voter registration and civic participation for marginalized communities
• Humanitarian aid distribution and family planning service tracking
• Small business operations and customer location sharing
• Personal navigation and meeting point identification
• Property documentation and land rights verification

Support and Contact

For technical support and implementation guidance, visit the official Plus Codes website. While no direct support email is provided, comprehensive documentation and developer resources are available through Google's open source platforms and community forums.

Company Info

Plus Codes is developed and maintained by Google, headquartered in the United States. The technology represents Google's commitment to creating accessible, universal digital infrastructure that serves global communities regardless of their economic or geographic circumstances.

Login and Signup

No registration or login is required to use Plus Codes. The system is freely accessible through Google Maps and various third-party applications that have integrated the open standard.