What Three Words - Power Platform Custom Connector: In this 13-minute developer-focused demo, Matt Beard answers questions about the What3Words independent publisher connector and the related Power App. The What3Words connector delivers global location in 3-meter squares using 3 descriptive words, while the Power App uses Power FX to collect latitude and longitude from the user, call the W3W API, and pinpoint location on a map along with the 3-word description for the location.
In this context, a Custom Connector is a wrapper around a RESTful API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) that allows the Power Platform to interact with the API. Essentially, a custom connector is a way for the Power Platform to communicate with a service that isn't supported out of the box.
Here's a simple breakdown of how a Custom Connector works:
Define: A Custom Connector is first defined by specifying the host (the base URL for the API), the authentication methods (how the Power Platform will authenticate with the API), and the actions (what the API can do).
Test: After the connector is defined, it can be tested directly in the Power Platform. This involves making actual calls to the API and checking the results.
Use: Once the connector is tested and working, it can be used in any Power Platform service (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents). This enables the user to retrieve data, trigger actions, and interact with the service in a way that's meaningful for their business.
Custom connectors thus provide a flexible way to extend the capabilities of the Power Platform, allowing it to communicate with a wide range of APIs and services, both public and private.
What3Words is an innovative global addressing system that represents locations in 3-meter squares using a unique combination of three words. This connector enables developers to easily integrate the What3Words API into their Power Apps, providing users with precise location information in a simple, user-friendly format. As an independent publisher connector, the What3Words connector is developed and maintained by community members, showcasing their expertise and contributions to the developer ecosystem. The demo by Matt Beard demonstrates how to effectively use this connector, offering valuable insights and guidance for utilizing the What3Words system within Power Apps.
The Microsoft Power Platform Custom Connector for What3Words enables developers to access global location data in 3-meter squares using 3 descriptive words. This connector can be used to create a Power App that collects Lat / Long from a user, calls the What3Words API and then pins the location on a map with the associated 3 words for the location. This demo covers the differences between Independent and Certified connectors, GitHub usage tips, and more. It is important to note that the What3Words connector is currently in preview, so features and functionality may change prior to release. It is also important to review the documentation available from Data8 Data Enrichment and What3Words for more information on the available features and usage tips.
What3Words, Power Platform, Custom Connector, Independent Publisher, Certified Connectors, GitHub Usage Tips