Have you ever used "Plus Codes" for navigation? If so, how has that worked out for you? Any issues?
What are Plus Codes?
Short version: Plus Codes are Google's take on a simplified, universal Latitude & Longitude system; every spot on Earth has a unique Plus Code. If you use Google Maps, you have probably seen them (represented using a 5-dot symbol approximating a "cross").
Plus codes consist of a string of alphanumeric digits including a "plus" sign, sometimes followed by a location descriptor. For example, here's the Plus Code for Rick Steves Europe HQ in Edmonds, WA:
RJ6C+JR Edmonds, Washington
the GPS equivalent for that would be:
47.81157179483887, -122.37792090636378
From Google (who does seem to know a thing or two about managing maps, addresses and locations of everything, finding your way, and related tasks on a large scale):
Plus Codes work similar to street addresses. They can help you get and
use a simple digital address. They can also help you define a specific
location for a conventional address. For example, you can identify
different entrances to the same building. You can use Plus Codes to
identify a specific location to receive deliveries, access emergency
and social services, or direct people to a location. Since the codes
are simple, you can easily share them with others. Plus Codes are
based on latitude and longitude. They use a simple grid system and a
set of 20 alphanumeric characters. The character list purposely
excludes easy to confuse characters like “1” or “l.”
Personally, I have never used Plus Codes before, but I am thinking about relying on them for an upcoming trip. (Note: this trip will be to Japan, not Europe, but they work the same way anywhere on the planet). In this case they would be better than a street address, since many of the places I will be headed for are not conventional homes, businesses or other places that receive mail - I'm planning a lot of stops at religious shrines, sightseeing and scenic spots places out in rural areas (waterfalls, viewpoints, parks, etc.). I have used GPS coordinates on trips to find out-of-the-way hotels, B&Bs, etc. (sometimes they're useful even in cities and towns). GPS coordinates are prone to fat-fingering and entry errors, I'm thinking using Plus Codes would reduce the task load of managing locations, and save a few keystrokes.
I suspect many (or a least some) of you have been using Plus Codes routinely for years (especially those living in the gig/delivery economy). How have those been working for you? Any issues/potential pitfalls to watch out for?
Thanks.