Abstract: In an on-vehicle path guide apparatus and a path search method, by using path search network data and path search index data, path search index data searching device searches for a recommended path from a current position of an own vehicle to a set destination in stages and at high speed so as to guide a passenger. The data are selectively used according to a distance to the destination to efficiently search for the recommended path. The path search index data has a hierarchical structure, and a small capacity memory is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle guidance system capable of showing a recommendable route between the present position of the vehicle and a destination on a map. The vehicle guidance system comprises a routing unit for finding a recommendable route between the present position of the vehicle and a destination by using road data, a congestion detecting unit detects traffic congestion on the basis of the traveling mode of the vehicle, and a congested place estimating unit estimates presumably congested roads on the recommendable route by using the road data when the congestion detecting unit detects traffic congestion.