An offline navigation solution for delivery vehicles and other volunteers

background:

After meeting with volunteer drivers, we have found that they are often in areas without reliable internet services, and thus utilization of google maps and other navigational services via handheld devices is unavailable.

some trucks have navi installed, but not all. There is also the problem of language when the drivers are non native.

This is not a one project solution. There are many options.

I made an initial inquery with UUD (UpUpDown), producers of a highly detailed navigational map of Japan for Garmin handheld devices. If they are willing to provide a few licenses, and a download link, we could collect Garmin GPS units and attach them to laptops to use as navigation tools.

Updates
[2011-04-17 Kalin] There are a few efforts to track the status of different roads on-line.

Based on OpenStreetMap is this one: http://resultmap.neis-one.org/japan.html

Free maps compiled Garmin GPS units:
 * http://www.kleineisel.de/blogs/index.php/osmmap/2011/03/17/update-japan-and-sendai (based on 2011-03-16 data)

Temporary solution for Android devices
On Android, go to the Market and find an application called MAVERICK

Maverick is replacement for the default map application. It actually allows you to access multiple map sets. The best part is that it caches any maps you have visited or viewed.

So, so long as you VIEW your route you plan to take in a scale you need, it will be cached. The point about the scale is important. If you need neighborhood street level maps, you will need to browse over them at that scale before you take your trip.

Once you are on the way, GPS will track you on the map, even when you leave 3G coverage.