[Talk-GB] Google "Plus Code" Locators

[David Woolley]

I've just noticed Google using a new locator system, which works on 
similar principles to the Maidenhead system, except that each resolution 
step is 20 x 20, rather than alternating letter and number codes, so the 
algorithm is public, and they don't seem to be imposing any licensing on 
it.  I don't remember seeing any mention of it here.

Below 0.45 second resolution, 4 x 5 subgrids, coded by one letter are used.

The full codes are 8 characters, a "+" and, normally at least two more. 
If you know the approximate location, the 8 can be truncated to 4, and 
the approximate location can be given with a locality name, which is the 
bit that could end up depending a bit on Google Maps for reliable 
reproducibility.

It seems that they have existed since 2014, although this is the first 
time I've noticed them in a Google business listing.

I did an OSM search on some examples, and it does not look as though the 
search currently recognizes them.

They are also known as open location codes 
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Location_Code>