Dependency removed: Google Maps, cloud map tiles, and internet-connected GPS apps - you can navigate and share location information without connectivity.
Navigation without internet or cellular is a basic resilience capability. This means offline maps on devices, understanding of non-GPS navigation techniques, and the ability to share coordinate information within a local group without depending on cloud services.
- Offline maps - OsmAnd, Organic Maps, and Maps.me with downloaded OpenStreetMap tiles; regional packs; map update workflows
- GPS - how GPS works without internet (satellite signal only); dedicated GPS units vs. phone-based GPS; battery life and cold start times
- Geographic data - downloading and serving local map tiles via a community map server; GeoJSON and GPX for route sharing
- Route planning - offline route calculation; exporting routes for navigation without connectivity
- Non-GPS navigation - paper maps; compass and bearing; terrain association; dead reckoning for short distances
- Local landmarks and coordinate conventions - establishing shared references for local coordination; grid references; what3words alternatives
Navigation and coordination both depend on accurate time:
- Clock drift - why devices drift and why it matters for coordination
- Offline time sources - local NTP server (GPS-disciplined or Stratum 1); syncing time on isolated networks
- Coordination windows - scheduled check-in times that do not rely on real-time network connectivity
- Community Map Server - a local tile server (tileserver-gl or MapTiler) serving offline OpenStreetMap tiles to LAN-connected devices
- Local Geographic Archive - downloaded regional maps, elevation data, and geographic datasets stored locally for offline use
- Communications - sharing location data over mesh networks (Meshtastic)
- Devices - GPS units, phones, dedicated navigation hardware
- Networking - local tile server on the LAN